The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued one of its strongest warnings yet on the escalating security crisis in the region, stressing that terrorism is no longer confined to traditional hotspots but now threatens the entire West African corridor.

In a briefing to the United Nations Security Council, Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, said the region is witnessing a dramatic shift in extremist operations — from armed attacks to strategic economic sabotage.

Terror Groups Now Targeting West Africa’s Economic Lifelines

According to Touray, extremist networks are launching coordinated assaults on fuel routes and trade corridors, a tactic he described as “economic warfare” designed to paralyze states from within.

“These groups are restricting fuel and crippling trade across our subregion,” he said, warning that their goal is to weaken national institutions and deepen humanitarian suffering.

The result, he said, is a security environment where no West African country is insulated from the ripple effects.

A Standby Force to Respond at Scale

In response, ECOWAS is fast-tracking the deployment of its standby counterterrorism force, beginning with 1,650 personnel and expanding to 5,000 troops with the support of regional partners.

Touray emphasized that the initiative is not just a military move, but a strategic repositioning meant to create a coordinated regional shield.

Fragmented Interventions Slowing Progress

He further cautioned that despite numerous international security programmes operating in West Africa, the lack of cohesion between them is undermining progress.

“No amount of money or equipment will defeat terror if we are working in silos,” he said.
“Our differences should not be exploited — they must be bridged.”

A Call for Global Backing

Touray appealed to the UN and international partners to help secure stable financing for ECOWAS’ security architecture, stressing that sustained support is essential for the long-term stabilization of the region.

His message: West Africa is at a turning point — and only collective action can prevent extremist groups from reshaping the regional order.