By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has said the change of government through coups in West African countries has had unintended consequences and threatened democratic values in the region.
Musa made the call at the opening of the 42nd Ordinary Meeting of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff on Wednesday in Abuja.
He said that the threat of a military takeover of the government must be destroyed, adding that it negated the core responsibilities of the military profession.
The CDS said that the military must uphold democratic values in line with their constitutions in democratic countries.
“Recent challenges like the military coup in some countries in the region have had unintended consequences and have threatened our collective democratic values.
“This threat must be destroyed as it negates our core responsibilities as military professionals.
“Let me, therefore, use this opportunity to emphasize that, as democratic countries, we in the military must uphold democratic values in line with our various constitutions,” he said.
Musa said that the meeting would prevent coups and ensure peace and sustainable development for citizens in West Africa.
He expressed optimism that the meeting would assist them in preventing such abnormalities while strengthening their collective resolve to bring about peace and sustainable development to the people.
According to him, the complexity of this meeting demands that we leverage our collective efforts, share intelligence, and coordinate our efforts across borders if we must solve these challenges.
“Thus, collaboration is paramount and I encourage you to address both the root causes and symptoms of this security in our region.
“It is on this premise that the agenda for this meeting was carefully crafted to focus on critical areas and build in for our previous engagements.
“Some of these critical areas include the proposed Air Force Security Support Mission in Sierra Leone and the activation of the Air Force Standby Force against terrorism.
“Other issues are in line for deliberations are the development of the Air Force Logistics Depot in Sierra Leone and Air Force Peace Support Operations.
“As we embark on today’s discussions, I must remind us all that your insights and experiences are paramount to support our shared mission,” he added.
The defence chief said that terrorism, insurgency, organised crime, violence, and unconstitutional takeover of government had threatened national security and undermined the socio-economic development of the entire region.
He said that the gathering reflects a shared commitment and dedication toward living in a sustainable environment for the safety and well-being of the people of West Africa.
This, he said, had demonstrated a collective drive to address the various community threats affecting the region through deliberate and concerted collaborative efforts.
“As leaders in our respective armed forces, we are all aware of the threats that confront our nations and regions.
“These threats include terrorism, insurgency, organised crime, violence, education, and recently, unconstitutional takeover of government and national politics.
“These challenges not only threaten our national security but also undermine the social fabric and socio-economic development of the entire region,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by the Nigerian Ministers of Defence, Foreign Affairs and Interior as well as other service chiefs.
- Also, the Chairman of Senate and House Committee on Defence, Sen. Ahmed Lawan and Babajimi Benson, also attended. (NAN)