The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced plans to establish a standby counter-terrorism force with a budget of $2.4 billion. Heads of States from member countries have agreed to raise funds for this initiative, with each member state contributing to the $1 billion required to start operations.
The force, designed to be a rapid reaction unit, will consist of a battalion capable of confronting terrorist threats that have been increasing in the region. Three designated ECOWAS Training Centres of Excellence will train personnel for this force, located in Nigeria, Ghana, and Mali.
Ministers of defence and finance will convene to develop funding modalities for the counter-terrorism force, emphasizing the commitment of ECOWAS to address security challenges within the sub-region.