Terrorism: Over 7,000 Deaths in West Africa in Five Months, Says Minister Yusuf Tuggar
Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to address the root causes of regional insecurity. Speaking at the 52nd session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council in Abuja, Tuggar revealed that from January to May 2024, over 7,000 individuals have lost their lives in more than 800 terrorist attacks, with Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali being particularly affected.
Tuggar, who chairs the council, highlighted the necessity for a collective response to terrorism and violent extremism, stressing that these threats undermine the stability and development of West Africa. He stated, “The fight against terrorism must be a collective effort, demanding unwavering commitment from all ECOWAS member states.”
The minister emphasized the widespread impact of terrorism, noting, “Terrorism knows no borders. From the Sahel to coastal states, no country is immune. It is crucial for every ECOWAS country to recognize that combating terrorism is a shared responsibility.”
Tuggar urged for improved regional cooperation, effective intelligence sharing, and robust funding for ECOWAS counter-terrorism efforts. He also emphasized addressing underlying issues such as climate change, migration, organized crime, and economic inequality to foster a stable and prosperous region.
“As we work together to counter violent extremism and foreign interference, we must also address the broader challenges of climate change, migration, organized crime, and economic inequality,” Tuggar added.
He highlighted ECOWAS’ ongoing peace operations in countries like Guinea-Bissau and The Gambia, and plans for a stabilization mission in Sierra Leone. Additionally, he mentioned efforts to tackle humanitarian challenges, including disaster risk reduction and relief aid.
During the session, ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray expressed concerns over the ongoing standoff with the Alliance of Sahelian States, emphasizing its negative impact on regional integration. He pointed to governance issues, development deficits, and evolving geopolitical dynamics as significant threats to regional cohesion.
Touray noted, “The continued standoff between the Alliance of Sahelian States and ECOWAS undermines regional integration. Our region faces persistent governance challenges, development deficits, and rapidly changing geopolitical dynamics that threaten cohesion and integration.”
ECOWAS, established in 1975 to promote economic integration among West African nations, has recently faced challenges due to a series of military coups in the region, including in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. In January 2024, these three countries announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS, citing a departure from the organization’s founding ideals. However, sanctions were lifted in February 2024 following mediation by Nigeria’s former military head of state, Gen. Yakubu Gowon.
Touray stressed that the decisions were made to foster unity and ensure security within the African sub-region.
