Government Calls For Review of ECOWAS Mission in Sierra Leone

The Government of Sierra Leone has successfully lobbied for a review of the planned ECOWAS mission (ECOMISIL) in the country.

This development was confirmed in a final communiqué issued after the Sixty-Sixth Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), held on December 15, 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria.

The communiqué explicitly acknowledged Sierra Leone’s request, stating, “The Authority takes note of Sierra Leone’s call for the review of the mission and mandate of the proposed ECOWAS Security Mission to the Republic of Sierra Leone.” This indicates a significant shift in the planned deployment, prompting a reassessment of the mission’s objectives and scope.

ECOWAS had initially authorized the deployment of a 1,200-strong peacekeeping force to Sierra Leone in August 2024. This decision followed a meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CCDS), also held in Abuja.

The meeting, chaired by General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria, focused on the readiness of the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF), specifically the ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Force (CTForce), to address regional security concerns, including insurgency and unconstitutional changes in government.

General Musa had previously emphasized the importance of the deployment as part of a broader strategy to enhance regional security, stating, “The establishment of the standby force is a testament to our dedication to regional stability. It will significantly strengthen our capacity to manage both current and future security threats.” He also highlighted the need for a combined approach involving military efforts and political solutions to achieve lasting peace and stability.

The initial plan involved pledges from member states to support the deployment, with further discussions planned among ECOWAS finance ministers to address funding and logistical needs.

However, with Sierra Leone’s call for a review now formally acknowledged by ECOWAS, the specifics of the mission, including its size, mandate, and operational timeline, are subject to change pending the outcome of the review process.

The reasons behind Sierra Leone’s request for a review were not detailed in the communiqué.