National News

ECOWAS Commission says Fighting Terrorism without Attacking Root Causes Is an Exercise in Futility

Published

2 years ago

November 22, 2021

News Net Global

ECOWAS Commission says Fighting Terrorism without Attacking Root Causes Is an Exercise in Futility

By: Michael Mike, Abuja

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has said fighting terrorism without attacking the root causes is an exercise in futility.

The Commission, which traced the root causes of terrorism in the West Africa to cases of weak governance, poverty, youth unemployment and human rights abuses, lamented that Boko Haram attacks in the Lake Chad Basin alone in the last 10 years have led to more Han 30,000 deaths, with terrorism displacing over three million people in the region.

Speaking at the launching of the Early Warning Study on the Spillover of Violent Extremism to ECOWAS Coastal Member State in Abuja, the Vice President of ECOWAS Commission, Madam Finda Koroma said: “It would be illusionary to fight against terrorism without attacking its root causes, such as bad or in some cases, weak governance, poverty, youth unemployment and human rights abuses.”

She said data from the ECOWAS Alert and Response Network (ECOWARN) shows terrorist incidents perpetrated by Boko Haram alone resulted in more than 30,000 deaths, in less than 10 years of subversive activities, in addition to the physical attacks on the populations and the territorial integrity of ECOWAS’ s member states.

She lamented that terrorism has unprecedented humanitarian consequences, stating that to date, more than three million people are displaced.

Koroma said: “After North-East of Nigeria, the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel, the Northern Part of Mali, the threats escalated in the Liptako-Gourma region; made up of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso. From the North of Mali and Burkina Faso Violent Extremist groups conducted years back attacks in the southern Part of these member states.

“Since 2019, the southwestern regions of Burkina Faso have seen an escalation of jihadist presence from JNIM’s Katibat Macina, who are present in the Cascades region and in the forests along the Ivorian border. This explains why Côte d’Ivoire saw a major escalation of violent extremism throughout 2020, including its first jihadist attacks since the 2016 Grand Bassam incident. We all remember the Park W Pendjari abduction in Benin.”

She noted that under the instructions of the Heads of States, the ECOWAS Commission has been working to address this multifaceted issue, with the goal to achieve peace and security in the region.

She disclosed that: “With regard to these root causes in the prevention and the fight against terrorism, the ECOWAS Commission has made the “nexus” between security and development its major area of focus.”

She revealed that various strategies and programmes have been put in place to combat terrorism in the region.

Koroma however said the fight against terrorism does not rest solely on member states or the ECOWAS Commission, and to this end, “in the joint policy statement, the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government have called on the international community, development partners, relevant international organisations and civil society organisations to coordinate their activities with ECOWAS Commission.”

Also speaking at the launching, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama said the impact of the responses on counter-terrorism going on in various areas of operations requires terrorists to find climes where they can retreat and recuperate, noting that ungoverned spaces and places where state presence is weak or absent provide the perfect conditions for such activities.

Also Read: Ritualists killed 11 year old Boy in Bauchi

He said: “All member states affected must therefore put more efforts to eliminate these conditions that facilitate the activities and movements of terrorist groups.”

He stressed that: “It is my view that only concerted regional initiatives such as this can help us to better understand the dynamics of the security challenges facing us and hopefully, we can agree on the best strategy for curbing the menace of terrorism and violent extremism. Without a doubt, terrorism threatens the free movement of persons, goods and services, which represents the core values of our regional integration agenda.”

Onyeama, who was represented by the Director, Africa Multilateral Affairs, Ambassador Ngozi Ukaeje said: “It is evident that the Kinetic approach towards combating terrorism is yielding positive results but that alone cannot provide the total solution. There is a need for more emphasis to be placed on non-kinetic approaches to complement the kinetic approach.”

He noted that: “Nigeria is applying Kinetic measures in the fight against terrorism with intelligence-led operations such as Operation Hadin Kai, Military super camp strategy, integration of Civilian Joint Task Force into the fight against terrorism which have successfully dislodged terrorist strongholds.

“Equally, non-kinetic approaches such as the launching of operation safe corridor which serves as a de-radicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration programme for repentant terrorists have yielded positive results. Nigeria has therefore witnessed a lot of progress in this approach which has provided an avenue for hundreds of terrorists to lay down their arms and surrender to our security forces.”

Onyeama also agreed that: “To effectively combat the menace of terrorism and violent extremism, we must also address the root causes of the menace. Social challenges such as poverty, unemployment, inequality can result in the existence of a breeding ground for potential recruitment of affected persons into terrorist folds, if not properly addressed.”

He however assured that “Nigeria will work closely with the ECOWAS Commission to ensure that the actions we shall be taking, in preventing terrorists and violent extremists from crossing our borders into our coastal regions, would not negatively affect the regional economic integration agenda.

The Representative of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), James Aji said the launching of the study is very relevant and timely for the region, adding that: “It comes at a time when there is increasing talk about the reality and impact of the spread of terrorism from the Sahel to coastal states.”

He however raised the alarm that: “If we do not take action swiftly, the spread of terrorism to coastal states could be devastating to the region, especially given the fact that this spread would meet the major security threat of piracy and insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea

He said: “The mix of terrorism and violent extremism as we know it today in the Sahel and maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea would be potentially explosive.”

ECOWAS Commission says Fighting Terrorism without Attacking Root Causes Is an Exercise in Futility

Crime

Six terrorists killed as army troops raid terrorists enclaves

Published

3 days ago

May 10, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Six terrorists killed as army troops raid terrorists enclaves

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Operation Hadin Kai of the Nigerian Army have killed six fighters of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) during a raid of a “notorious enclave” in Goniri in Damboa LGA in Borno.

It was gathered that the feat was recorded when the troops of 81 Division Task Force Battalion stormed the terrorists enclave in collaboration with Civilian Joint Task Force on May 9, 2024.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the The troops successfully cleared Wulma Mashi and Kodow and destroyed structures of the terrorists. The troops went further to clear Goniri and Kokotuma. Contact was made with the terrorists in a small market before Gorere market.

The troops gundown the six terrorists and destroyed all the structures in the area.

Six terrorists killed as army troops raid terrorists enclaves

National News

FG Declares Wednesday Holiday to Mark Worker’s Day

Published

2 weeks ago

April 30, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

FG Declares Wednesday Holiday to Mark Worker’s Day

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, 1st May, 2024 as a Public Holiday to commemorate this year’s Workers’ Day Celebration.

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, reiterated the need for excellence, efficiency and equity in all spheres of labour, re-affirming President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, productivity, and inclusivity in the workplace.

Tunji-Ojo, in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Aishetu Gogo Ndayako, said: “In alignment with this year’s theme, which focuses on ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate, I wish to state that the Federal Government remains steadfast in its resolve to prioritise the safety and well-being of all citizens. Let me reaffirm Mr. President’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for work, where every worker can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development”.

The Minister, while acknowledging the contribution of workers, called for proactive measures to mitigate adverse effects of climate change through synergy in in the implementation of sustainable practices and policies that promote well-being in the workplace and in building a nation guided by the principles of integrity, diligence and compassion.

Tunji-Ojo also urged Nigerians to remain committed to the present administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda as he wishes workers a happy celebration.

FG Declares Wednesday Holiday to Mark Worker’s Day

National News

Our Youths Will Transition Nigeria Into Digital Economy Powerhouse – President Tinubu

Published

2 weeks ago

April 30, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Our Youths Will Transition Nigeria Into Digital Economy Powerhouse – President Tinubu

As African countries commit to greater financing, digital access at IDA21 Summit:
Resolve to mobilise domestic resources for Africa’s economic transformation

By: Our Reporter

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared on Monday that Nigeria is set to harness the potential of its youthful population to transform into a global digital economy powerhouse.

He also hinted at the nation’s plans to become a global hub for outsourcing talent within the digital and creative economy.

This was the submission made by President Tinubu who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the meeting of African Heads of State and Government on the 21st Replenishment of the International Development Association (IDA21) in Nairobi.

This is just as African Heads of State and Government committed countries on the continent to strengthen implementation capacities, mobilising domestic resources, and partnering effectively with IDA to accelerate the continent’s economic transformation.

President Tinubu also reiterated Nigeria’s plans to build a vast digital market capable of absorbing cutting-edge innovations and technologies, positioning the country as a hub for outsourcing talent in the digital and creative economy spheres.

“Being a young country with a median age of about 18, our interventions in the digital economy have been so extensive that we are no longer boasting of having the most unicorns, but preparing to serve as a global hub for outsourcing talents,” the President stated in his submission titled “The Path to Recovery: Nigeria’s Journey Beyond Sabotage”, which was delivered to the Summit by VP Shettima

President Tinubu informed other African leaders of the sweeping reforms implemented by his administration to curb illicit activities and currency manipulation that had long hindered the nation’s progress.

“Since assuming office, President Tinubu has remained steadfast in fulfilling his promise to end the reign of economic saboteurs who have long exploited and hindered the progress of our nation. I am pleased to report that our economy has escaped the phase of sabotage,” the VP noted.

Alongside the digital transformation agenda, President Tinubu said Nigeria is committed to prioritizing climate resilience and becoming an attractive destination for carbon market investments.

“The tensions resulting from climate-induced disruptions serve as a pressing call to action. The profound impact of climate change on our continent’s security underscores our dedication to transforming innovative concepts from conference discussions into tangible actions. We aim to become an investment-friendly destination for carbon market investments,” the organ was informed.

He expressed Nigeria’s belief that the summit’s communiqué would reflect the collective needs of African and IDA countries, capturing their “nuances, consensus, dreams, and projections.”

President Tinubu listed key priorities for Nigeria’s economic recovery in his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, anchored on poverty alleviation, to include economic expansion, job creation, enhanced access to capital, food security, and inclusivity.

He also stressed the importance of regional economic integration through instruments like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement to dismantle investment barriers and facilitate access to international markets.

“Our path to the future depends on nurturing strategic partnerships with other nations and development organizations. Therefore, we will utilize our absolute and comparative advantages to establish partnerships across borders,” the President said.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the President of Kenya, William Ruto, said the summit was urgent because it was “convened at a critical juncture facing a convergence of global crises which include escalating geopolitical tensions that challenge international unity, a deepening development and debt crisis that threatens our economic stability, and an urgent climate emergency that demands immediate and collective action for our planet’s survival.”

He gave instances of the devastating impact of severe flooding in the East African region which, according to him, has displaced thousands in Nairobi alone, and the vulnerability of the continent to extreme weather patterns, which points to the critical role of the IDA in financing Africa’s development and stability.

“This new normal demands our immediate and united action to safeguard our collective future. This underscores the critical role of IDA for Africa Summit as a cornerstone for financing for Africa. IDA has directed 75% of its total commitment which is nearly $26 billion to Africa in the last fiscal year with African countries comprising 8 of IDA’s top 10 borrowers. This support is not just financial but it’s a lifeline for development and stability,” President Ruto said.

Also speaking, the World Bank President, Ajay Banga, expressed optimism about Africa’s potential, saying “it’s very easy to feel hopeful when we’re together anywhere in Africa,” adding that you feel the infectious energy of young people.”

Banga affirmed the IDA’s commitment to accelerating progress on the continent, vowing to “move with urgency and purpose,” while making the institution more efficient and impactful.

“We stand at the crossroads of a new era of growth and prosperity for Africa,” he said.

At the end of the Summit, African Heads of State and Government adopted a joint communique committing countries on the continent to accelerate the continent’s economic transformation by strengthening implementation capacities, mobilising domestic resources, and partnering effectively with IDA.

They also called for an ambitious replenishment of the International Development Association (IDA) to support the continent’s development goals.

The Nairobi Communique described IDA as Africa’s largest source of concessional financing, outlining priorities for IDA21 to include building human capital, creating jobs, boosting energy and digital access, enhancing resilience to climate change and fragility, and promoting inclusive growth policies.

Our Youths Will Transition Nigeria Into Digital Economy Powerhouse – President Tinubu