Nigeria to Strengthen Military Ties with Sahel Nations Despite ECOWAS Withdrawal – Gen. Musa
Nigeria to Strengthen Military Ties with Sahel Nations Despite ECOWAS Withdrawal - Gen. Musa
Nigeria to Strengthen Military Ties with Sahel Nations Despite ECOWAS Withdrawal – Gen. Musa
By Ayshatu S. Rabo
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to collaborating with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger despite their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).Speaking in Abuja on Thursday during a meeting with a delegation from the Sahelian Think Tank, ‘Alliance De Sahel,’ Musa emphasised the importance of regional unity in tackling terrorism and promoting stability.
The delegation, led by Aliyu Gebi, Coordinator of the Fusion Centre for Dialogue and Peace Processes, visited Nigeria to study its non-kinetic approach to counterterrorism, particularly the success of Operation Safe Corridor.Gen. Musa stressed that security challenges in the Sahel directly impact Nigeria, underscoring the need for continued military cooperation. He reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to regional peace and stability, irrespective of geopolitical shifts.“This meeting is timely, given the developments across Africa. It reaffirms our unity of purpose. Our shared challenges demand collective action because the enemies we face have no regard for life, humanity, or borders,” Musa stated.
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He commended the participation of representatives from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso in the discussions, describing their visit as a testament to the strong ties among the Sahelian nations.Gen. Musa also announced his plans to visit Mali and Burkina Faso, further solidifying military collaboration.Speaking on the balance between kinetic and non-kinetic measures in counterterrorism, Gen. Musa stressed that military operations alone account for only 30% of the solution.
He underscored the necessity of good governance, fairness, justice, and equity in addressing the root causes of extremism.“With good governance, our citizens will feel safe, included, and valued. That is the foundation for sustainable peace,” he added.
Musa urged the Sahelian nations to disrupt terrorist funding channels, particularly by blocking access to illegal mining sites and tracing foreign sponsors.The delegation leader, Malam Aliyu Gebi, echoed Musa’s sentiments, emphasising the need for stronger regional collaboration.He praised Nigeria’s military for its efforts in combating insurgency and called for the harmonisation of strategies to ensure lasting peace.“What happens in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso has a direct impact on Nigeria.
Our collective security depends on our ability to work together,” Gebi stated.”As Nigeria continues to engage with its Sahelian neighbours, the meeting in Abuja signals a commitment to regional security beyond ECOWAS frameworks, reinforcing the shared goal of defeating terrorism and fostering peace.
Nigeria to Strengthen Military Ties with Sahel Nations Despite ECOWAS Withdrawal – Gen. Musa
