By Joseph S. Conteh
The 44th Ordinary meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chief of Defence Staff opened on the 24th February,2026 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Freetown.
Lieutenant General Amara Idara Bangura, who emphasized the importance of the gathering in reinforcing the region’s commitment to peace, security, and stability.
The ceremony included a handover and taking over ceremony of the chairmanship of the ECOWAS Committee of Chief of Defence Staff. The outgoing chairman, from the Nigerian Armed Forces, was commended for his exemplary performance and valuable contributions to the advancement of the region’s security objectives over the past year.
The attendees including Representatives from ECOWAS.
Deputy Minister of Defence, Colonel Retired Muana Brima Massaquoi, discussed critical security challenges facing the ECOWAS region, such as maritime security and trafficking. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening strategic coordination and enhancing operational interoperability to address these issues.
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The meeting also focused on the operationalization of the ECOWAS Standby Force and the development of a sustainable logistics framework across the region.
Participants expressed their determination to move decisively from commitment to capability, ensuring the ECOWAS region is equipped to respond effectively to emerging security threats.
