ECOWAS Deploys 5,000 Troops to Combat West Africa Terror Amid 6,956 Deaths in 2024

West Africa Braces for Anti-Terrorism Force Amid Rising Attacks.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced plans to deploy a 5,000-man kinetic force to combat terrorism in the region. This decision comes after a staggering 1,605 attacks and 6,956 fatalities were recorded from January to August 2024.

Terrorism’s Grip on West Africa

Burkina Faso has borne the brunt of these attacks, with 611 incidents and 3,810 fatalities. Mali follows closely with 546 attacks and 1,424 fatalities, while Nigeria has experienced 238 attacks and 905 fatalities. Niger, Benin, and Togo have also been affected, with 153, 44, and 13 attacks, respectively.

ECOWAS’ Resolve

ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray emphasized that terrorism is the primary security threat facing member states. Initially confined to the Sahel region and Lake Chad Basin, terrorist attacks have spread to coastal countries.

Humanitarian Consequences

The region has witnessed devastating humanitarian consequences, including:

– 4.8 million people facing food insecurity
– 2.4 million internally displaced persons
– Close to 9,000 schools closed

Financial Challenges Ahead

Experts warn that the success of the proposed force hinges on securing substantial financial resources, estimated at $2.6 billion annually. The regional bloc has previously launched interventions, such as the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), to restore stability in countries like Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia.

As ECOWAS prepares to tackle terrorism, the international community watches with bated breath, hoping for a decisive victory against the scourge of terrorism in West Africa.