Nigeria Spearheads Efforts To Reinforce MNJTF Against Terrorism In West Africa

ABUJA, NIGERIA – Nigeria is leading a push to reinvigorate the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in a bid to tackle terrorism across the West African subregion, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar.

Speaking at Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary Foreign Policy Public Lecture, Tuggar highlighted the importance of a robust MNJTF in safeguarding regional peace and stability.

“No RECs, no AfCFTA,” Tuggar asserted, emphasizing the importance of the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) as building blocks for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He added that while the AfCFTA is widely accepted as a key to regional development, sustained growth hinges on peace, stability, and good governance.

“For peace to reign in ECOWAS and the expanding Sahel, we must continue to proffer our organic solutions,” Tuggar stressed, urging the regional bloc to uphold its commitment to integration, peaceful dispute resolution, and democratic governance.

Tuggar’s call for a revitalized MNJTF comes amid a growing security threat posed by terrorist groups in the Sahel region.

The Minister acknowledged the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, escalating conflict in the Middle East, and the potential for heightened insecurity in Africa as a result of global geopolitical shifts.

Echoing Tuggar’s sentiments, former Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff, Gen Martin Luther Agwai, emphasized the importance of ECOWAS’s role in promoting democracy and stability in the region.

Agwai highlighted the regional body’s efforts in mediating, organizing peaceful elections, and responding to unconstitutional changes in government, showcasing the region’s resolve to stand firm against instability.

“ECOWAS, in collaboration with the African Union and other international partners, has been at the forefront in the effort to promote African-led solutions to these crises,” Agwai stated.

He commended the organization’s initiatives in coordinating security efforts, deploying peacekeepers, and facilitating dialogue as critical steps toward ensuring a stable and prosperous West Africa.

Ambassador Joe Keshi, Chairman of the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARCAN), highlighted the pressing need for collective action in addressing regional security challenges.

The rise of terrorist groups and cross-border conflicts threaten stability and economic development, he stated.

“ECOWAS must continue to work closely with member states, international partners, and civil society to address these concerns,” Keshi urged.

He also emphasised the importance of prioritising inclusivity and equity in ECOWAS’s economic integration efforts to ensure that the benefits of regional cooperation are shared equitably among member states and citizens.

The focus on reinvigorating the MNJTF underscores the urgency for a concerted regional approach to tackling the security challenges in West Africa.

With the support of key stakeholders, including regional partners and international actors, the revitalized MNJTF is poised to play a crucial role in combating terrorism and restoring stability in the region.