ECOWAS Warns Terrorism Now Threatens Entire West Africa, Moves to Deploy 1,650-Member Standby Force

November 20, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Alieu Omar Touray, has raised alarm that terrorism is no longer confined to the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin but now threatens every part of West Africa. He said early-warning data compiled by the Commission recorded over 450 terrorist attacks and more than 1,900 deaths across the region in 2025.

Dr. Touray issued the warning in New York during a briefing to the United Nations Security Council on improving regional cooperation in the fight against terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel.

According to him, extremist groups operating across the subregion are increasingly adopting what he described as economic warfare, including restricting fuel supplies and disrupting trade routes—tactics he said are designed to weaken national economies and intensify insecurity.

In response to the escalating threat, ECOWAS is accelerating plans to deploy its regional standby force. The initial phase will see 1,650 personnel mobilised, with the force expected to expand to 5,000 troops as more member states and international partners contribute support.

Dr. Touray cautioned that fragmented national efforts and growing mistrust among governments continue to undermine collective action. He appealed to the UN Security Council to help facilitate predictable financing, rebuild trust among regional actors, and strengthen coordinated security operations across West Africa.