The Chiefs of Defence Staff from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) convened on August 7, 2024, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, chaired by Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa. During the meeting, Musa emphasized the importance of the military’s role in upholding democratic principles amidst ongoing regional security challenges.
The discussions focused on enhancing collaboration in counter-terrorism efforts and addressing the pressing issue of arms trafficking in the region. Notably, the Chiefs of Defence Staff from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger were absent from the meeting, highlighting ongoing tensions and security concerns within the ECOWAS framework.
This gathering marks a significant step toward strengthening regional security cooperation and ensuring that military actions align with democratic values across West Africa