Alarming Surge in Terrorism: West Africa Faces Over 1,800 Attacks in 2023, ECOWAS Urgently Addresses Security Crisis
West Africa has experienced a significant escalation in security challenges, with more than 1,800 recorded attacks in the first half of 2023, leading to nearly 4,600 deaths, as reported by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The situation has prompted urgent discussions within the regional bloc to strengthen a standby force and address threats to constitutional order, coups, and the surge in terrorism.
Key Points:
Worsening Security Situation: Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, addressed the United Nations Security Council, highlighting the alarming security crisis in West Africa. The region faces a multifaceted threat landscape, including organized crime, armed rebellion, unconstitutional changes of government, illegal maritime activities, environmental crises, and the dissemination of fake news.
Refugees and Displacement: Touray revealed that half a million people in the 15-nation ECOWAS are refugees, and nearly 6.2 million are internally displaced. He emphasized the dire humanitarian consequences, stating that without an adequate international response, the number of people in need of food assistance could increase from 30 million to 42 million by the end of August.
Military Rule and Democratic Reversal: The resurgence of military rule in three countries—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea—poses a significant challenge to democratic gains in the region. Touray expressed concern about the parallel trends of democratic reversal and heightened insecurity in West Africa and the Sahel.
Attack Statistics: Touray provided attack statistics for the period between January and June 30, revealing that Burkina Faso experienced 2,725 attacks, Mali 844 attacks, Niger 77 attacks, and Nigeria 70 attacks. The cumulative impact resulted in 4,593 deaths. Additionally, attacks in Benin and Togo indicated the expansion of terrorism to littoral states, posing an additional threat to the region.
ECOWAS Response: ECOWAS military chiefs of staff have engaged in consultations to enhance a regional standby force capable of supporting member states in the fight against terrorism and threats to constitutional order. Proposed options include establishing a 5,000-strong brigade at an annual cost of $2.3 billion or deploying troops on demand at an annual cost of $360 million.
UN Support and Peace Operations: ECOWAS seeks robust and decisive support for its action plan to address insecurity in the Sahel. There is also a call for African peace operations to receive funding from the UN regular budget, with Touray highlighting the recommendations made by military staff before the recent developments in Mali.
UN Concerns and Human Rights Violations: The United States expressed grave concern over democratic backsliding in the region and the spread of instability in coastal West Africa. The Wagner Group's involvement in West Africa was criticized for committing human rights abuses and endangering the safety and security of civilians, peacekeepers, and UN personnel
The surge in terrorism and security threats in West Africa demands urgent and concerted efforts from the international community, ECOWAS, and UN stakeholders. The proposed reinforcement of a regional standby force reflects the region's commitment to addressing the complex challenges it faces. The humanitarian consequences and potential for further displacement underscore the need for swift and effective responses to restore stability and protect democratic gains in the region.