The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CCDS) successfully concluded its 43rd Ordinary Meeting in Abuja
The 43rd Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Staff (CCDS), held from 11 to 13 March 2025 in Abuja, Nigeria, has ended with the result that regional security and cooperation within the Community have been better promoted and a common front has been established to meet security challenges.
Addressing his fellow members of the Committee at the closing ceremony, General Christopher Musa, Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff and Chairman of the CCDS said: '… In the course of our deliberations, we identified critical vulnerabilities to regional security and demonstrated our firm resolve towards addressing these threats. As expected, there were areas of concern between members but more importantly there was firm resolve on the need for collective action. This is the spirit of this gathering which is firmly rooted in a resolute commitment to meeting our primary obligation as members of the armed and defence forces of our respective countries which is to defend and protect our peoples from harm and insecurities.'
General Christopher Musa concluded his remarks by stating that he was convinced that the results and recommendations of the discussions and deliberations would address the issues and challenges facing the region, and that they would certainly lead to concrete actions that would further strengthen collective efforts to achieve a safer and more prosperous Community.
We should recall that, the deliberations of this 43rd Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Chiefs of Staff Committee focused on key security issues in the West African sub-region. Some of these areas, include the review of pledges for ECOWAS Standby Force, consideration of pledges for ECOWAS Counter-terrorist Brigade and the rotation of Staff Officers of Peace Support Operation Divisions and ECOWAS Standby Force.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to present the results of the meeting of government experts on the ECOWAS logistics concept and the standard operating procedures for the ECOWAS logistics depot in Lungi (Sierra Leone) and to examine the report of the last meeting of the ECOWAS Chiefs of Naval Staff Committee. Furthermore, a presentation was made on Standardization of the Table of Equipment for ECOWAS Standby Force.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
07-06-2025
- Zawya
The Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) celebrates Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) day and the 50th anniversary of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Senegal
On the 28th of May,1975, the Founding Fathers of ECOWAS signed the Lagos Treaty, which has undergone revisions over the years to adapt to environmental changes. The Community Institution has combined economic integration, regional stability, free movement, peace and security, inclusive and sustainable development, and the promotion of democracy. The activities to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Institution are held on the 28th of May, 2025, after the launch on the 22nd of April, 2025, in Accra, Ghana. The Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), in collaboration with the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre (EGDC), the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Senegal, the National ECOWAS Office in Senegal, along with ECOWAS Ambassadors, invited guests from the embassies of the United States of America, France, Lebanon, the Delegation of the European Union and the staff of all ECOWAS Institutions in Senegal, commemorated the Celebration of the institutions 50th Anniversary on the 3rd of June, 2025, in Dakar, Senegal. The program revolved around interventions from the Permanent Resident Representative of ECOWAS in Senegal, HE. Mrs. Zelma Yollande NOBRE FASSINOU, Mrs. Aïta GUEYE DIALLO from the ECOWAS National Office and the GIABA National Correspondent in Senegal. The Director General of GIABA, Mr. Edwin W. HARRIS Jr., delivered the message for the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS. These speeches recalled the reasons for the establishment of the Institution, highlighted its achievements, the roles of Member States and the Community in building this Institution, transitioning it from ECOWAS of States to ECOWAS of People. They also mentioned the challenges that mark the Institution's path and shared perspectives to strengthen the Community's resilience around its values. The ECOWAS Vision 2050 was also presented to the audience for better understanding and ownership. The audience was invited to uphold the Vision of the Founding Fathers through an unwavering commitment to inclusive and sustainable development on a daily basis. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Zawya
31-05-2025
- Zawya
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) women reclaim purpose and power at 2025 international women's day retreat
As the ECOWAS region commemorates 50 years of regional integration, the ECOWAS Commission reaffirmed its commitment to gender empowerment through a landmark retreat held from 28 to 29 May 2025 at Zuma Rock, Niger State, Nigeria. Organised by the Directorate of Human Resources, in collaboration with the ECOWAS Amazon Executives, the two-day event was a rescheduled celebration of International Women's Day (IWD), postponed from March to ensure inclusive participation across cultural and religious lines. The retreat brought together the female staff of the ECOWAS Commission across board for a dynamic programme of reflection, dialogue, and empowerment. Coinciding with ECOWAS Day on 28 May—the founding date of the Community in 1975—the gathering carried symbolic weight, linking the institution's regional journey with the personal and professional aspirations of its women. The second day, featured the core training and empowerment activities, beginning with opening remarks by Mrs. Kete Gillis-Harry, Principal Officer for Career Management&Training, followed by a goodwill message from Madame Marième Sy, Vice President of the ECOWAS Amazon. Her words set the tone for a transformative day grounded in the values of leadership, authenticity, and purpose. Participants engaged in an interactive training session delivered by Otive Igbuzor, PhD, Founding Executive Director of Centre LSD (Leadership, Strategy and Development). With modules titled Empowering Women for Leadership: Overcoming Barriers and Advancing Equality and Promoting Women's Financial Independence: Pathways to Sustainable Empowerment, Dr. Otive challenged participants to dismantle systemic limitations, embrace purpose-driven leadership, and unlock their full potential. A standout moment of the day was the 'Experience Sharing' segment led by Mrs. Enife Atobiloye, Partner at TRANSEARCH. Drawing from her expertise in executive search and leadership development, she inspired participants to build their capacity with strategy, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to authenticity. The retreat's dynamic format also included team-building games, reflective exercises, and a quiz competition — all reinforcing the key themes of growth, self-discovery, and empowerment. These moments were guided by the facilitation team from the Directorate of Human Resources, whose support ensured the programme's coherence, professionalism, and impact. In her concluding remarks, ECOWAS Amazon President Madame Marième Sy offered an inspiring call to reflection, encouraging women to define success on their own terms and to lead with authenticity and courage. The retreat underscored that gender empowerment is not a peripheral agenda, but a foundational pillar in the realisation of ECOWAS Vision 2050 — building an ECOWAS of Peoples. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Zawya
29-05-2025
- Zawya
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
The Secretary-General notes that, over the past five decades, ECOWAS has played a vital role in advancing economic cooperation, regional integration, and peace and stability in this rich and vibrant region. From free movement of people and trade liberalization to regional infrastructure projects, conflict resolution, and contributions to peacekeeping, ECOWAS has made remarkable strides towards achieving its vision of an integrated Community of peoples in a peaceful and prosperous region. The Secretary-General recognizes the strong institutional partnership between the United Nations and ECOWAS, as exemplified by several joint initiatives in the region, including through the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel and the broader United Nations system. He encourages continued cooperation to preserve hard-won regional gains and mobilize international support to address the challenges and needs of the region. The Secretary-General reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to ECOWAS, including in support to regional efforts to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the ECOWAS Vision 2050 of an 'ECOWAS of the Peoples: Peace and Prosperity for All'. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
