By George M.O. Williams
Freetown, Sierra Leone – Major General Amara Idara Bangura, Sierra Leone’s Chief of Defence Staff, has officially taken over as Chair of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff. The transition was marked during the 44th Ordinary Session of the Committee, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Freetown.
Major General Bangura pledged to intensify cooperation against terrorism, transnational organized crime, maritime insecurity, and cyber threats. He emphasized that his appointment comes at a moment when West Africa faces escalating security challenges requiring coordinated military action and sustainable frameworks.
The strong attendance at the session was described as a reflection of member states’ collective responsibility for peace and stability.
Bangura highlighted pressing dangers to governance and economic stability, including:
- Terrorism and proliferation of small arms
- Illicit drug trafficking
- Cyber threats
- Illegal chemical dumping at sea
ECOWAS Leadership Support
Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, urged Bangura to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor. He noted that the four-day deliberations would review logistics sustainability, operational readiness, and strategies to enhance effectiveness, with particular focus on:
- Joint maritime operations
- Intelligence and information sharing
- Strengthening regional security mechanisms
Sierra Leone’s Commitment
Deputy Defence Minister Colonel (Rtd) Muana Brima Massaquoi reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s solidarity with ECOWAS states, stressing that unity and collective action—especially through the activation of the ECOWAS Kinetic Force—are vital to counter terrorism and safeguard democratic gains.
Looking Ahead
The session, running until Friday, is expected to produce resolutions on:
- Sustaining regional security mechanisms
- Enhancing counterterrorism coordination
- Combating illicit trafficking and drug networks
- Improving maritime and border security
- Countering misinformation and disinformation spread via social media
This leadership shift positions Sierra Leone at the forefront of regional defence cooperation, as ECOWAS intensifies efforts to confront evolving threats across West Africa.