ECOWAS leaders pledge $1 bln to fight Islamist militants
Leaders of West African nations on Saturday pledged $1 billion to combat the surge in Islamist militancy threats in the sub-region.
The ECOWAS sub-region has become troubled region with militants constantly launching deadly attacks.
Al Qaeda and Islamic State aligned groups have strengthened their foothold across West Africa and the Sahel region.
This year a lot of ethnic violence and militant attacks have taken place especially in Mali and Burkina Faso.
At an extraordinary summit in Burkina Faso’s capital, Ougadougou the leaders promised to fight the growing insecurity.
ECOWAS Commission President Jean-Claude Kassi Brou said the commission had decided to “contribute financially and urgently to joint efforts in the fight against terrorism” by pledging $1 billion.
He added that the United Nations needs to strengthen its MINUSMA peacekeeping mission based in Mali since 2013.
ECOWAS said for most parts of this year Islamist attacks have been spreading so fast in West Africa, a development that requires urgent action.
Leaders of countries within the Lake Chad Basin territory also last year vowed to end the insurgency of terrorist group, Boko Haram.
They also vowed to push for the quick implementation of the Regional Stabilisation Strategy in the areas of Lake Chad affected by the Boko Haram crisis.
The leaders also resolved to roll out the Quick Impact Projects (QIPs), aimed at providing immediate relief to the communities affected by the Boko Haram insurgency.
Source: Africafeeds.com
