ECOWAS Moves to Improve and Strengthen Its Standby Force and Logistics Depot

Approximately thirty experts have convened in the ancient city of Kano, Nigeria, from June 3 to 7, 2024, to review the logistics concept and existing statutes, policies, and strategic instruments related to the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) and the African Standby Force (ASF) as tools for conflict prevention and management. The workshop will also focus on updating, harmonizing, and finalizing the policy on ECOWAS Logistics Bases in accordance with AU/UN principles.

This five-day workshop is organized by the Peace Support Operations Division (POSD) of the Defence, Peacekeeping, and Regional Security Division of the ECOWAS Commission. It aims to incorporate the collective expertise of regional specialists into the ECOWAS Logistics Concept, Policy, and Guidelines for the Management of ECOWAS Logistics Depots (ELD). Additionally, the workshop will review and adopt a standardized organizational chart for the ECOWAS Logistics Depot (ELD).

In his welcome address, Dr Cyriaque P. AGNEKETHOM, Director of Peacekeeping and Regional Security (DPKRS), read by Dr Sani Adamu, Ag. Head of POSD, He reiterated the need for this workshop to strengthen the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) Logistics Concept, established in 2005, which provides a platform for coordinating key logistics support and procedures for the ESF, guiding the logistics requirements of Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs), ECOWAS, and partners. This highlights the necessity of adapting the original ESF logistics concept to current realities. To efficiently deploy the ESF when needed, ECOWAS has decided to establish a multi-dimensional logistics depot in Lungi, Sierra Leone, and a humanitarian logistics depot in Senou, Mali.

Dr. Agenekethom called on participants to leverage their extensive experience to develop enriched, comprehensive documents that address current challenges and align with international best practices, enhancing the operational capacity of the ESF for critical strategic roles within a robust regional security framework.

In conclusion, the Director expressed deep gratitude to all partners, including the European Union, the German Government, and GIZ, for their support in implementing the ECOWAS Peace and Security Architecture and Operations (EPSAO) project and for the technical assistance provided for this workshop.

The Commissioner of Police for the Kano State Command welcomed the participants to the city, assuring them of the full support and cooperation of the Kano Police. He encouraged participants to engage fully and share their expertise for a productive session.

The workshop was attended by representatives from ECOWAS, independent logistics experts from various ECOWAS Member States, and other experts from the African Union Commission (AUC), UNOUA, and TCEs.