CDS Urges West African Defence Chiefs to Uphold Democratic Values Amid Rising Coup Threats
CDS Urges West African Defence Chiefs to Uphold Democratic Values Amid Rising Coup Threats
CDS Urges West African Defence Chiefs to Uphold Democratic Values Amid Rising Coup Threats
By Ayshatu S. Rabo
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has issued a strong call to action against the rising trend of military coups in West African countries, warning of their severe repercussions on democratic values in the region.
Speaking at the opening of the 42nd Ordinary Meeting of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff in Abuja on Wednesday, General Musa emphasised the need for the military to uphold democratic principles in accordance with their national constitutions.
“Recent challenges like military coups in some countries in the region have had unintended consequences and have threatened our collective democratic values. This threat must be destroyed as it negates our core responsibilities as military professionals,” Musa stated.
The CDS highlighted that the gathering aimed to prevent such disruptions and promote peace and sustainable development across West Africa. He expressed optimism that the collaborative efforts discussed at the meeting would strengthen their resolve to combat these challenges effectively.
Musa underscored the importance of leveraging collective efforts, sharing intelligence, and coordinating actions across borders to address the complexities of regional security threats. “Collaboration is paramount, and I encourage you to address both the root causes and symptoms of these security issues in our region,” he added.
The meeting’s agenda included critical areas such as the proposed Air Force Security Support Mission in Sierra Leone and the activation of the Air Force Standby Force against terrorism. Deliberations also focused on developing the Air Force Logistics Depot in Sierra Leone and enhancing Air Force Peace Support Operations.
General Musa highlighted that terrorism, insurgency, organised crime, violence, and unconstitutional takeovers of government posed significant threats to national security and socio-economic development in the region. He called for a unified commitment to create a sustainable environment for the safety and well-being of the people of West Africa.
“As leaders in our respective armed forces, we are all aware of the threats that confront our nations and regions. These challenges not only threaten our national security but also undermine the social fabric and socio-economic development of the entire region,” Musa concluded.
The meeting reflects a shared dedication among West African military leaders to address community threats through deliberate and concerted collaborative efforts, demonstrating their collective drive towards regional stability and democratic governance. Also speaking the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, stated that the meeting underscored ECOWAS’s collective and unwavering dedication to the peace, security, and stability of the region.
Tuggar highlighted the pivotal role of the armed forces in devising new strategies and coordinating regional security efforts to ensure peace and stability and effectively respond to emerging threats.
He urged the forces to reflect deeply on the rapidly evolving and complex security landscape, which includes violence, terrorism, insurgency, organized crime, and piracy.
He noted that recent unconstitutional changes in government have exposed the fragility of democratic institutions and the need for robust, coordinated responses.
“The success of this force is crucial for our region to address the current political challenges effectively.
“The illicit movement of small arms and light weapons in our region has reached alarming levels.
“We must, therefore, develop new mechanisms to complement the existing ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons to prevent further proliferation of these weapons effectively.
“I urge the Committee to formulate recommendations to tackle this menace.
“Rest assured that once your recommendations are presented to the Mediation and Security Council at the ministerial level, they will receive the highest priority,” he said.
CDS Urges West African Defence Chiefs to Uphold Democratic Values Amid Rising Coup Threats
