ECOWAS needs joint effort to fight extremism – KAIPTC

Colonel Anorph Akaubong, Director of Training, Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Center (KAIPC), Accra, Ghana, has called for collaborative strategies to confront violent extremism and terrorism within the ECOWAS subregion.

He stated this at the third training for defence and security sector actors on violent extremism and terrorism, organised by KAIPTC in collaboration with German, Nigerian governments and ECOWAS, on Monday in Abuja.

Akaubong reminded participants that their coming from diverse backgrounds and fields within the security sector meant that they were united to engage, learn, and deliberate on violent extremism and terrorism.

He said the event was a capacity building mechanism, which would reshape their understanding, broaden their perspectives, and forge a positive impact within the context of Nigeria and ECOWAS subregion.

“The very complexities of the country’s current situation, as well as its resonance within our coastal states, present us with an unprecedented opportunity – an opportunity to squarely confront the issue of Violent Extremism and Terrorism.

“The interconnected nature of these challenges underscores the urgency for our concerted efforts, collaboration, and innovative thinking.

“The collaborative potency of our diverse expertise is the cornerstone for sculpting solutions that transcend geographical divides and pave the way for tangible transformation in our societies.

“I implore each participant to bring forth their unique perspectives and insights on the subject, for it is through this tapestry of thought that we will embark on a journey of exploration and discovery,” he said.

Declaring the training opened, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, said that the event was particularly important due to the dynamic shifts in strategies on violent extremism and terrorism.

According to him, violent extremism and terrorism, particularly in the Sahel, is spreading to the coastal regions of West Africa, and the situations will require multifaceted efforts to counter the threat.

Musa, represented by Brig.-Gen. Oloritimi Adejoro, noted that confronting the prevailing threat of violent extremism and terrorism in West Africa necessitated bringing together a large number of actors to chart the way forward.

“We’re also aware that insights in the 2024 Global Tourism Index show how the rate of violent extremism has climbed in the Sahel and in West African subregion in particular.

“It is therefore not a course that is being done just for the purpose of running a course. It is a serious threat we are confronting now and we are likely to confront in the future.

“Therefore, I implore each participant to bring forth their unique perspectives and insights on the subject so that we can use our diversity of ideas and experience to bring about worthwhile solutions,” he said.

One of the participants, Patience Dakop, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) from the Force Headquarters, said she was elated to be nominated for the course.

According to her, it will help to broaden my knowledge of violent extremism and terrorism, West Africa’s security challenges generally, and how to tackle them.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the five-day capacity building course attracted no fewer than 40 security operatives from across Nigeria’s various security segments.

It aims to engage them in learning and deliberation on critical subjects such as violent extremism and terrorism, in order to equip them with the knowledge and solutions needed to address these threats.

NAN reports that KAIPTC is one of the three designated ECOWAS Training Centres of Excellence, and a premier institution dedicated to advancing peace and security across Africa.

It is globally recognised for its commitment to providing cutting-edge training, research, and education tailored to the complex challenges of peace and security on the continent.

The Centre plays a pivotal role in building the capacity of military, police, and civilian personnel, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to engage effectively in peace and security efforts in Africa and beyond.

KAIPTC’s mission is rooted in the vision of fostering stability on the continent by enhancing the operational effectiveness of key international and regional actors.

These actors include the AU, ECOWAS, and various national and international peacekeeping forces, which rely on its expertise to address pressing security challenges.