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Cabinet officials

ECOWAS Urges Member States to Strengthen Financial Transparency and Resilience Against Terrorism

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has emphasized the importance of strengthening financial transparency and resilience in the fight against terrorism. The call was made by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Oumar Alieu Touray, during the 54th Ordinary Session of the Mediation and Security Council (MSC) at the Ministerial Level in Abuja, Nigeria. Dr. Touray highlighted that the region's lack of implementation of a regional counterterrorism framework has made it vulnerable to terrorist attacks, and urged Member States to remain united in the face of global challenges.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dr. Oumar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, emphasized the need for a robust regional counterterrorism framework to combat terrorism, citing the vulnerability of littoral States to terrorist attacks.
  • The ECOWAS Commission President reported that the region remains vulnerable to terrorist attacks due to the lack of implementation of a regional counterterrorism framework.
  • Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, urged Member States to uphold their responsibility in protecting the region across all sectors by strengthening peace and security responses.
  • The Minister expressed deep concern over the U.S. government's plan to impose visa restrictions on all ECOWAS Member States, which he said would pose a serious threat to trade, diplomacy, and regional development.
  • ECOWAS nations remain open to global partnerships and are ready to engage with any country that allows for ease of travel for legitimate business and diplomatic purposes.
  • The ECOWAS Commission has initiated direct talks aimed at safeguarding the Community's achievements and building realistic, fruitful future cooperation in various areas, including security and development.
  • Progress has been made in strengthening the regional peace and security architecture, including the initiation of direct talks, updates on the establishment of National Early Warning and Response Centres, and responses to the humanitarian situation in the region.

Statistics:

  • The region's vulnerability to terrorist attacks has been highlighted as a major concern, with littoral States particularly at risk due to the lack of a regional counterterrorism framework. (Source: ECOWAS Commission)
  • The ECOWAS Commission has reported progress in strengthening the regional peace and security architecture, including the initiation of direct talks and updates on the establishment of National Early Warning and Response Centres. (Source: ECOWAS Commission)
  • Illicit financial flows, money laundering, and terrorism financing continue to threaten the collective security of the ECOWAS region, highlighting the need for enhanced financial transparency and resilience. (Source: Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council)

Sources:

  • Voice of Nigeria, 20 June 2025
  • ECOWAS Commission
  • Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council

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