ECOWAS Sounds Alarm as Terrorism Spreads Across West Africa, Deploys 1,650-Strong Standby Force

Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Henry Owen

Terrorism in West Africa has escalated beyond its traditional hotspots, now posing a threat to the entire region, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has warned. Dr. Alieu Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, revealed that 2025 has already seen 450 terrorist attacks resulting in over 1,900 deaths.

Speaking in New York at a United Nations Security Council meeting, Dr. Touray highlighted that extremist groups are also waging “economic warfare,” disrupting fuel supplies and crippling trade across the subregion.

In response, ECOWAS is fast-tracking the deployment of a standby force, initially comprising 1,650 personnel, with plans to scale up to 5,000 with the support of regional partners. The initiative is aimed at bolstering regional security and coordinating efforts against insurgency and cross-border terrorist networks.

Dr. Touray stressed that fragmented national responses and mutual mistrust among states undermine collective security, urging the UN Security Council to help rebuild trust, secure predictable funding, and strengthen coordinated regional action.

The warning underscores the urgent need for West African nations to unite against terrorism before the threat escalates further, endangering both lives and economic stability across the region.

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