The President Akufo-Addo, has appealed to global leaders to fully implement the provisions of Chapters Seven and Eight of the UN Charter and provide Africa with proportionate support in its battle against terrorism and violent extremism.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized that despite the considerable economic challenges faced by ECOWAS Member States, eleven of the fifteen Member States, following the suspension of the four military-led states, have expressed their readiness to confront terrorists with greater empowerment.
He noted a stark contrast in international support, highlighting the substantial aid provided to Ukraine in the face of the Russian war. In comparison, the security assistance extended to ECOWAS by the US, EU, and UK has amounted to a relatively meager US$29.6 million.
“Comparisons, they say, are odious, but some cannot be ignored. The Russian war on Ukraine has elicited, according to my information, some US$73.6 billion in American support for Ukraine, US$138.8 billion from the European Union and its Institutions, and US$14.5 billion from the United Kingdom,” he said.
With adequate support for ECOWAS, President Akufo-Addo expressed confidence that West African troops, without foreign intervention, could effectively combat terrorism in the region, as demonstrated by the Accra Initiative, showcasing indigenous self-reliance.
The President made these remarks during his speech on “Democracy and Security in West Africa” at the United States Institute of Peace’s Programme on Governance and Peace in Washington D.C., USA on October 12, 2023.
President Akufo-Addo explained the emergence of terrorists in West Africa, tracing their path from the Middle East and Afghanistan to Libya following Muammar Gaddafi’s downfall and their subsequent spread across the Sahara into northern Mali.
He highlighted the increasing displacement of populations in the Sahel due to the insecurity caused by these armed groups, emphasizing that Africa has become a focal point for terrorist organizations seeking refuge after setbacks in other parts of the world.
Acknowledging the success achieved in the fight against terrorism, the President pointed out that the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on developing countries has left many regions, particularly in the Sahel, facing severe economic challenges.
He stressed the urgency of working together in the spirit of multilateralism to address these pressing issues and maintain global peace and democracy. Failure to renew such commitments, he warned, would lead to a more perilous world in the present and future.