The security situation in West Africa has reached critical levels, with terrorism evolving into an existential threat for both Sahel and coastal states. From January to November 2025, approximately 450 terrorist incidents claimed nearly 2,000 lives, with the central Sahel remaining the epicentre of violence.
Beyond direct attacks, terrorist groups have increasingly employed economic warfare, targeting the supply of essential commodities such as petrol to disrupt trade and impose hardships on civilian populations.
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In response, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is fast-tracking the deployment of a regional standby force.
The initial deployment will include 1,650 personnel, gradually scaling up to 5,000 troops to strengthen regional counterterrorism capacity.
ECOWAS officials stress that “no one can fight terrorism alone,” highlighting the need for coordinated action across member states.
The funding for this force will come from a combination of ECOWAS member states’ contributions, international partners, and support from the United Nations under Resolution 2719.
The initiative underscores the region’s commitment to protecting civilians, safeguarding trade, and restoring stability while addressing the evolving threats posed by terrorist networks.
