West African Defence Chiefs Insist On Civilian Rule

The West African Defence chiefs have called for the enthronement of civilian rule among member states, insisting it is the best option.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, who made the call, urged West African Chiefs of Defence Staff to uphold democratic values.

Musa stated this Wednesday at the 42 Committee of ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff meeting in Abuja.

LEADERSHIP reports that Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso Defence Chiefs shunned the meeting despite being invited.

He said the military’s change of government in West African countries has had unintended consequences and threatened their democratic values in the region.

The CDS added that the threat of a military takeover of the government must be destroyed, adding that it negated the core responsibilities of the military profession.

Musa stated that in democratic countries, the military must uphold democratic values in line with their constitutions.

He said, “Recent challenges like the military coup in some countries in the region have had unintended consequences and have threatened our collective democratic values.

“This threat must be destroyed as it negates our core responsibilities as military professionals. Let me, therefore, use this opportunity to emphasise that, as democratic countries, we in the military must uphold democratic values in line with our various constitutions. “

He noted that the meeting would prevent coups and ensure peace and sustainable development for citizens in West Africa.

Musa said terrorism, insurgency, organised crime, violence, unconstitutional takeover of government, and threatened national security and also undermined the socio-economic development of the entire region.

He said, “Your presence here reflects a shared commitment and dedication towards living in a sustainable environment for the safety and well-being of our people. It demonstrates a collective drive to address the region’s various community threats through deliberate and concerted collaborative efforts.

As leaders in our respective armed forces, we know the threats confronting our nations and territories.

The Commissioner for political affairs, Conflict and Security, ECOWAS, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, has said the withdrawal of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso from the commission is generating unintended consequences by undermining coordination and cooperation against terrorism.

He stated this at the 42 ordinary sessions of the committee of ECOWAS Chiefs of Defense staff in Abuja.

He said the meeting held two years after the 41st session was due to some regional developments requiring extraordinary political interventions.

The Minister of Defense of Nigeria, Mohammad Badaru, called for strengthening cooperation for peace, security, and stability in the region.