Defence Chiefs from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) last Thursday converged on Abuja to discuss the proposed $2.6 billion budget for activating the subregion Standby Force.
The Standby Force is meant to contain terrorism and unconstitutional change of government with the region planning to deploy a 5,000-strong “Standby Force” to fight the region’s worsening security crises, a measure that analysts say might not work due to challenges of funding and division within the regional bloc.
The plan, which will cost $2.6 billion annually, was also aimed at preventing further coups following a string of military takeovers destabilising the region, Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru, said during the meeting.
The resurgence of coups in West and Central Africa – with four of its nations being run by military governments – has divided the 15-nation ECOWAS and destabilised the region, especially the coup-hit countries of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, which are worst-hit by the deadly violence now spreading to coastal nations.
Thursday’s meeting is the first time the bloc is mapping out publicly the financing of its long-talked-about standby force. However, analysts identified challenges it might face, including the shortage of funds from member states required to contribute money and securing the support of coup-hit countries most affected by the security crises.
It is clear as the 15-nation bloc summoned its defence chiefs to discuss its threat to “take all measures necessary (that) may include the use of force” if ousted Nigerien President, Mohamed Bazoum, is not reinstated within one week.
ECOWAS is resolved to use military force after economic and travel sanctions used against the coup plotters failed, according to a Western diplomat in Niamey who did not want to be identified for security reasons.
Source: myghanadaily
