West African defense chiefs on Thursday, June 27, unveiled a $2.6 billion annual plan to deploy a 5,000-strong “standby force” aimed at tackling the region’s escalating security crises and preventing further coups. The proposal was presented at a defense officials’ meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, and is to be considered at an upcoming summit of regional heads of state.
Despite this ambitious proposal, analysts express skepticism about its feasibility due to funding challenges and divisions within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The plan’s success hinges on financial contributions from member states and the cooperation of coup-affected nations such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which have experienced severe instability and violence spreading to neighboring coastal countries.
ECOWAS has struggled to restore democratic governance in these nations, with past efforts, including economic sanctions, failing to yield lasting results. Analysts emphasize that the standby force will require robust member-state commitment and a comprehensive strategy to address the unique challenges in the coup-hit countries.
Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, urged member-states to back the force, underscoring the urgency of addressing regional insecurity. The participation of officials from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger in the formation of the force remains uncertain, adding complexity to the bloc’s security strategy.
