Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to collaborate with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in addressing regional security challenges, despite their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Gen. Musa gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the Sahelian Think Tank, known as Alliance De Sahel, comprising representatives from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The delegation, led by Aliyu Gebi, Coordinator of the Fusion Centre for Dialogue and Peace Processes, was in Nigeria to study the country’s non-kinetic approach to tackling terrorism and the success of Operation Safe Corridor.
Emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation, Gen. Musa stated that developments in the Sahel have direct implications for Nigeria and vice versa. He revealed his intention to visit Mali and Burkina Faso to strengthen military collaboration.
“This meeting has come at a very good time, especially now that so many things are happening in Africa. It highlights our unity of purpose. Your presence here from the Sahelian countries shows that we remain united, despite the challenges. And for all Africans, we must unite. The enemies we are dealing with do not mean well for us, particularly in the Sahelian region,” he said.
In response, Aliyu Gebi reiterated that the region would be safer and stronger through collective efforts. He commended the Nigerian military for its success in combating insurgents but stressed the need to harmonize strategies to secure lasting peace.
Gen. Aime Sampore, Head of Delegation of the Alliance of Sahel States, noted that a stable and peaceful Sahel would directly contribute to a stable and prosperous Nigeria. He added that a prosperous Nigeria would, in turn, positively impact not just the Sahel but the entire African continent.
DAILY MENTOR reports that the meeting underscores the importance of regional collaboration in addressing shared security challenges, particularly terrorism and insurgency. The commitment to cooperation highlights the interconnectedness of security and stability in West Africa and the Sahel region.