H.E. DR OMAR ALIEU TOURAY AND LORD VERNON COAKER DISCUSS COOPERATION BETWEEN ECOWAS AND THE UNITED KINGDOM

The United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Defence, Lord Vernon Coaker, visited the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr Omar Alieu Touray, on Tuesday 21 January 2025 in Abuja, Nigeria, to discuss the strengthening of cooperation relations between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Kingdom.

Lord Vernon Coaker, accompanied by a large delegation, also discussed the security situation in the ECOWAS region with Dr Omar Alieu Touray. The numerous security challenges hampering peace and stability in the West African region, such as terrorism, violent extremism and organised crime, were discussed by the two leaders.

Lord Vernon Coaker reiterated the United Kingdom’s commitment to further support ECOWAS in its efforts to address the challenges facing the community and to promote peace, security and stability within the community.

The President of the ECOWAS Commission recalled the various regional and United Nations initiatives aimed at tackling insecurity and terrorism in West Africa. He stressed the need to promote peace and security, which are essential factors in the development of a region. ‘No ECOWAS state can face terrorism alone. Unity and joint efforts are essential to preserve peace and stability in West Africa.  We must work together, and to do so, we must be together’, Dr Touray stressed.

The other major challenge currently facing ECOWAS is ‘disinformation’, the President of the regional organisation added.

Dr Omar Alieu Touray emphasised the collaboration between ECOWAS and its partners, underscoring that any partnership must prioritize the unity and security of ECOWAS. He also commended the excellent relationship between the United Kingdom and ECOWAS.

Dr Touray was was accompanied at the meeting by his Director of Cabinet, Abdou Kolley, and the Director of External Relations of the ECOWAS Commission, Jérôme Boa.