West African states to create new force to fight jihadists in region

The 12 countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have reportedly decided to create a new force to fight jihadists operating in the region.

Sources told the AFP news agency that military chiefs made the decision during a meeting in Freetown over the weekend.

Discussions focused on the rising terrorist threat, the expansion of transnational organised crime, and the persistent challenges related to maritime insecurity.

The initial goal is to have around 2,000 troops ready to fight "terrorism and insecurity" across West Africa.

Sources said they will remain stationed in their own countries, with Sierra Leone serving as a logistical base for the group.

Officials are reportedly still thrashing out the details of how to finance the force and ECOWAS has not yet issued an official statement.

The Sahel, which cuts across Africa between the Sahara and sub-Saharan Africa, has long been plagued by jihadist insurgencies led by groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.

They have been particularly active in three former French colonies -- Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger -- that quit the ECOWAS in recent years following military coups.

The three countries have formed their own alliance, but a West African chief of staff says they will be encouraged to cooperate with the new force.

The three countries "are in a part of the Sahel that is the epicentre of the fight against the jihadists. They must be included," he said.

Related articles

Guinea opts out of planned ECOWAS single currency, the eco

Jihadist attacks hit Nigerian military bases in northeast

00:59

Guinea opts out of planned ECOWAS single currency, the eco

01:08

Jihadist attacks hit Nigerian military bases in northeast

00:59

Guinea opts out of planned ECOWAS single currency, the eco

01:08

Jihadist attacks hit Nigerian military bases in northeast

NEWS 01:12 Nigeria's Army Chief of Staff visits troops in Borno after deaths of 15 soliders

NEWS

01:14

Al-Qaeda and IS rivalry sparks fierce fighting across Sahel

NEWS 01:02 Malian army and Russian fighters retake key city of Kidal, abandoned by rebels

NEWS

02:08

Burkina Faso's military leaders mark four years in power

NEWS

01:17

Traoré marks four years in power, following Sankara’s legacy

NEWS

01:21

Presidents of Guinea and Ivory Coast agree to strengthen cooperation

01:30

Nigeria

Nigeria's Tinubu defends policies as he launches re-election bid

01:13

Gabon

Gabon restores social media access after an eight-month ban

01:01 Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia's Riyadh airport partially resumes flights after Houthi attacks