The former Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security at the Economic Community of West African States, Francis Béhanzin, has revealled that lack of coordination is the reason for the increased terrorism not only in Nigeria but Sahel Africa.
The defense expert made this known while speaking at the United States Institute of Peace, stressing that sobering account of the complex security challenges plaguing the volatile Sahel region stretched from Senegal to Sudan.
He reiterated that despite numerous strategies employed by international forces over the past decade, including the deployment of 13,000 soldiers under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, the situation continues to deteriorate, according to Premium Times.
“There is no coordination; no national strategy coordination, political coordination, military operation cooperation,” lamented Mr Béhanzin, a retired general. “Things are worsening every day.”
The former ECOWAS commissioner attributed the rise of extremism, in part, to the aftermath of the Libyan war, which unleashed a torrent of instability across the region. Efforts by ECOWAS, the United States, France, and other international players have thus far failed to stem the tide of terrorism, breeding disappointment among local populations and military forces.
This disillusionment, according to Mr Béhanzin, contributed to a series of military coups that have further destabilized the region, with Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger all experiencing such upheavals. Alarmingly, three of these nations – Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger – have threatened to withdraw from ECOWAS, the regional economic and political bloc tasked with maintaining peace and security.
The retired general acknowledged the resilience of armed groups in the face of previous approaches, questioning the efficacy of past recommendations and policies. However, he expressed cautious optimism that the recent report by the Bipartisan Senior Study Group for the Sahel, combined with ECOWAS’s action plan, could provide a path forward – if bolstered by the unwavering support of the United States and its citizens.
“I believe that the US citizen through the US government will take into account the recommendations of the USIP’s study and also the action plan by ECOWAS,” Mr Béhanzin urged. “Because we can say that the political crisis – the coups d’état – happening, except for Guinea because in Guinea there is no terrorism there.”