The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned the rising spate of banditry, kidnappings and abductions of schoolchildren in Nigeria, expressing solidarity with the country as the regional bloc moves to activate a counterterrorism force expected to achieve full operational capability by July 2027.
Meeting at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Lungi, Sierra Leone, regional leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to launching the ECO single-currency programme in 2027, underscoring a renewed push for integration even as West Africa grapples with worsening security and political tensions.
In its Final Communiqué, the Authority “strongly condemns the increasing spate of banditry, kidnappings and abductions of school children, particularly in Northern Nigeria,” and expressed solidarity with the Nigerian people in the face of the attacks.
It also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “for the swift actions taken to secure the release of victims and the measures put in place to combat the menace,” signalling regional backing for Nigeria’s response to the crisis.
The summit endorsed a revised roadmap for the activation of the ECOWAS Counterterrorism Brigade, with phased implementation timelines designed to deliver full operational capability by July 2027.
“The Authority endorses the Revised Roadmap for the activation of the ECOWAS Counterterrorism Brigade, with its phased implementation timelines towards achieving full operational capability by July 2027,” the communiqué said.
To move the process forward, the bloc directed the ECOWAS Commission to consult Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria on where the force’s headquarters should be located. It also urged member states to clear outstanding Community Levy arrears earmarked for the activation of the regional force, instructing the President of the Commission to engage relevant countries to settle their obligations before the end of 2026.
The decision came against the backdrop of what the Authority described as “deep concern over the continued deterioration of the security situation across the region, particularly in the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin,” where terrorist armed groups, insurgents and bandits continue to attack communities and security forces.
“The Authority strongly condemns the attacks by TAGs and their sponsors in the region and reaffirms its commitment to eradicating terrorism within the ECOWAS space,” the leaders said.
They further directed the ECOWAS Commission to intensify engagement with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger—to build “a pragmatic security cooperation mechanism based on the shared objective of containing the spread of terrorism in West Africa.”
The move comes as ECOWAS continues negotiations with the three countries following their withdrawal from the bloc. The Authority extended the mandate of its Chief Negotiator, Dr. Lansana Kouyaté, until December 2026, while insisting that talks with the AES states would continue as a unified process.
“Member States must refrain from entering separate bilateral agreements that threaten ECOWAS cohesion,” the communiqué warned.
On economic integration, the Authority reaffirmed its commitment to launching the ECO in 2027, but clarified that the process would begin with countries that meet the established convergence criteria and are ready to participate.
“The Authority reiterates its firm commitment to the launch of the ECO in 2027 as a key instrument for deepening regional economic integration and promoting sustainable, inclusive and resilient growth within the Community,” it stated.
Guinea’s request to join the Presidential Task Force on the ECOWAS Single Currency Programme was approved, and the Commission was directed to convene a meeting of the task force before the December 2026 Ordinary Summit. The bloc also asked the Commission to deepen consultations with central bank governors and the West African Monetary Agency on unresolved issues surrounding the common currency.
The leaders reaffirmed the importance of free movement of persons and goods, describing the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence and Establishment as “a fundamental pillar of regional integration and one of the Community’s most significant achievements.”
They called for the preservation of regional mobility and economic exchanges, including through continued engagement with the AES states.
The summit also produced major leadership changes. General Birame Diop of Senegal was appointed President of the ECOWAS Commission for the 2026–2030 term, while Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye was elected Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government for a one-year term.
The Authority expressed confidence in Diop’s “extensive diplomatic, military, and strategic expertise” to lead the Commission at a critical period for regional integration.
The regional leaders also condemned xenophobic attacks in South Africa targeting people of African descent, particularly West African citizens, and urged the South African authorities to ensure the safety and protection of African nationals in the country.
On Guinea-Bissau, ECOWAS urged the transition authorities to ensure an inclusive process towards constitutional order and called for the unconditional release of political figures still in detention, including the opposition PAIGC leader.
It appointed Senegal as facilitator for dialogue in Guinea-Bissau ahead of a constitutional referendum scheduled for August 30 and general elections slated for December 6, 2026.
The Authority also welcomed progress in Sierra Leone’s national reconciliation process, commending President Julius Maada Bio for discontinuing charges against former President Ernest Bai Koroma “in the spirit of national reconciliation and unity.”
At the summit, Faye was elected the new Chair of the ECOWAS Authority, while the regional bloc pledged to strengthen cooperation on security, economic integration and political stability.