NEW YORK, Jan. 27 (AGCNewsNet) – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) presented its comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy to the United Nations Security Council on Monday during a high-level session chaired by Algeria. The meeting focused on fostering international support for African-led counter-terrorism efforts, with an emphasis on integrating socio-economic development into response strategies.

Ambassador Kinza Jawara-Njai, ECOWAS’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations, outlined key measures the regional body has undertaken to combat terrorism in West Africa. These include the implementation of the ECOWAS Plan of Action for the Eradication of Terrorism, the deployment of the ECOWAS Standby Force, and the use of kinetic intervention strategies to address evolving threats.

“The initiatives are designed to strengthen ECOWAS’s ability to respond effectively to the increasingly complex security challenges facing our region,” Jawara-Njai told the Council.

The presentation comes amid criticism from several Sahelian nations, where jihadist groups have intensified their activities. These countries have voiced concerns about ECOWAS’s perceived lack of action in addressing the region’s growing insecurity. By presenting its counter-terrorism plan to the UN, ECOWAS aims to reaffirm its commitment to tackling terrorism and to rally international support for its initiatives.

The session underscored the need for global cooperation in supporting African-led efforts to counter terrorism. A central theme of the meeting was the importance of integrating socio-economic development into counter-terrorism measures to address the root causes of extremism and promote sustainable peace.

Observers note that ECOWAS’s approach reflects a shift toward holistic solutions that combine security responses with initiatives to foster economic growth, improve governance, and alleviate poverty.

“This strategy is crucial to building a more peaceful and prosperous future for the region, but its success hinges on sustained international support,” said a UN diplomat following the session.

The high-level dialogue reinforced the critical role of regional organizations like ECOWAS in combating terrorism and highlighted the shared responsibility of the global community in promoting stability across Africa.