After a three-day meeting in Sierra Leone, military chiefs from member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have outlined plans for a standby military force designed to combat terrorism and insecurity in the sub-region. This initiative, described as a joint military arrangement, aims to create a force initially composed of 2000 soldiers, who will remain stationed in their respective countries while ready to respond to crises as needed.

The assembly concluded with a commitment to establish this force backed by a logistics depot located in Freetown, which is expected to facilitate operations across the member states. Importantly, the financing for this force will rely on local funding sources, highlighting a shift towards greater regional self-sufficiency in managing security challenges.

This development comes at a time when the region faces increasing threats from terrorist groups, underlining the necessity for such a coordinated military effort. The implications of establishing this standby force could be significant for regional stability, as it signals a united front by West African nations to tackle the pervasive issues of terrorism and insecurity that have long plagued the area.