Participation of Ecowas in the Second Edition of the Schuman Forum on Security and Defence

At the invitation of Mr Josep BORELL FONTELLES, High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission of the European Union, Ambassador Dr. Abdel-Fatau MUSAH, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security took part in the second edition of the Schuman Forum on Security and Defence. The Forum was held in Brussels, Belgium, from 28 to 29 May 2024 under the theme “Acting together for peace, defence and security”. Its aim was to bring together high-level players to discuss contemporary security challenges in order to find lasting solutions within the framework of a strengthened partnership.

Accompanied by Brigadier General Mactar DIOP, Chief of Staff of the ECOWAS Standby Force (FAC) and Ambassador Dédou P. Jonas HEMOU, Permanent Representative of the President of the ECOWAS Commission to the Commission of the European Union, the Commissioner first spoke at the ministerial dinner held behind closed doors on 28 May.  Chaired by Mr Josep BORELL FONTELLES, the discussions focused on how to improve the collective response by strengthening cooperation between the various players. On 29 May, he took part in the plenary session with a high-level panel on “Architecture for sustainable peace: multilateralism and partnership”.

At these two forums, the Commissioner revisited the history of ECOWAS and its unwavering commitment to work towards achieving its objectives of economic integration and the promotion of democracy and good governance in a Community area where peace and security reign. He stressed in particular that terrorism is the main threat to the security of the Sahelian states, and that its successful fight requires the implementation and strengthening of partnerships, while respecting the remit of regional organisations, and the recognition and acceptance of multilateralism as a global framework for lasting peace. But to achieve this, the partners’ priorities must be better synchronised and coordinated.