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Foreign Minister Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba chaired the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council meeting in Freetown, where regional leaders stressed that security and democratic stability must go beyond policy discussions and deliver tangible benefits to citizens across West Africa.
The meeting focused on the impact of insecurity, political instability, and economic challenges on families, livelihoods, and communities, with delegates emphasising the need for ECOWAS decisions to translate into improved safety, opportunities, and dignity for citizens.
A major issue discussed was the ECOWAS Standby Force, including its activation, financing, and readiness to respond to terrorism and threats to constitutional order. However, ministers noted that security interventions alone cannot address the root causes of instability, highlighting the importance of investments in education, employment, and local governance.
The meeting also raised concerns over declining public trust in institutions and shrinking civic space, with delegates linking democratic setbacks to social grievances that can fuel recruitment into extremist and criminal networks. They called for stronger governance, inclusive political participation, and protection of civic freedoms.
Ministers further emphasised the need for credible elections and peaceful political transitions, urging ECOWAS member states to strengthen institutions that protect rights and deliver services beyond election periods.
Humanitarian challenges, including displacement, food insecurity, and climate-related pressures, were also discussed as factors contributing to instability. Delegates called for coordinated responses combining security measures with humanitarian support, climate adaptation, and economic resilience programmes, especially in vulnerable border and rural communities.
The meeting highlighted inclusion as a key part of regional stability, with focus placed on youth employment, women’s empowerment, and greater participation of persons with disabilities. Ministers argued that inclusive development can reduce vulnerability to exploitation by violent and criminal groups.
Sierra Leone’s hosting of the meeting was described as significant, given the country’s own recovery from conflict and its call for stronger democratic resilience and human security across the region.
The discussions come ahead of the ECOWAS Summit on regional integration scheduled for 19 July 2026, where leaders are expected to translate commitments into concrete actions aimed at improving security, governance, and development outcomes for West Africans.
