By Segun Giwa
The United Global Resolve for Peace (UGRFP), an NGO has called for the establishment of the ECOWAS Anti-terrorism taskforce.
Mr Shalom Olaseni, Chairman, UGRFP, who made the call in a statement on Monday said that recent events, such as the joint withdrawal of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS, underscored the urgency of the initiative.
“We have been advocating for the creation of this taskforce since 2017, recognising the escalating threat of terrorism across West African states.
“During a crucial meeting with the then Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Moustapha Cisse, UGRFP emphasised the imperative need for immediate action.
“The rising instances of coups in West African states are intrinsically linked to the pervasive terrorism in these nations.”
Olaseni said that governments and military agencies have struggled to effectively counter the threats, which should have necessitated the establishment of a proactive and permanent ECOWAS Anti-terrorism Taskforce.
He said that terrorist networks have forged trans West Africa alliances and underscoring the need for a collaborative approach.
“UGRFP emphasises that this taskforce should not only be raised reactively during coups and unrest but should be a statutory entity equipped to address the continuous and evolving challenges of terrorism.
“The proposed task force aims to eliminate safe harbors for terrorists across West Africa.
“By fostering regional cooperation, it seeks to bring enduring peace to the region, laying the foundation for economic growth and prosperity.
“UGRFP believes that only through the establishment of a robust and permanent ECOWAS Anti-terrorism Taskforce can West African states collectively safeguard their citizens and secure a brighter future for the entire region,” Olaseni said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
================
Edited by Deborah Coker/Idris Abdulrahman
