By Olamilekan FAWAS
ECOWAS on Tuesday called for a holistic approach in the fight against terrorism, to achieve meaningful development in the sub-region.
The President of ECOWAS Commission, Mr Jean-Claude Brou, made the call while addressing newsmen on the sideline of the High Level Meeting of Regional Organisations organised by the Commission in Abuja.
Brou, represented by Gen. Abdullah Boureima, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, said although several steps had been taken to mitigate terrorist activities, more should be done to proffer lasting solution.
He, therefore, said that fights against terrorism should be based on common regulation and strategy, in line with United Nations directive that require holistic approach.
“Terrorists are not afraid to die, as such it is best to prevent them; for them the essence of dying is to create outburst, but we must create preventive measures.
“If we are going to succeed, we must focus on prevention, repression and reconstruction (rapid assessment) and doing so will help to mitigate damages.
“We have to continue to wage war against terrorism; the only way to address it is through partnership with regions and sub-regions, civil society must also help stem fights against terrorism.
“It is the coherence and strategy that will move us forward to win war against terrorism holistically.”
He decried porosity of the regional borders in the Sahel to contribute to proliferation of small arms and violence activities.
He said the African Union had put plans in place to review its security strategy in the determination to improve previous tactics to curb terrorism in the region.
He said efforts were on ground to engage regional organisations in discussion on ways to work to achieve the desired goal.
“There are Memoranda of Understanding between Sahel and regional organisations; we have reached conclusion that will help us work in particular manner to achieve meaningful goals.”
He urged governments of ECOWAS member states to always ensure peace and security; promote good governance and also create jobs for youths, to reduce incidence of violence.
According to him, when these are in place, it will be difficult for youths to indulge in violence.
“They must ensure adequate security to safeguard the life and property of citizens and until that is done, not much can be achieved in putting an end to terrorism,” Brou said.
He, however, urged governments of ECOWAS member countries to step up efforts in fights against terrorism, rebuild development plan and always seek relevant support to move forward.
The meeting was aimed at promoting regional cooperation on actions that would bring about security and economic benefits to people in the Sahel-region.
