The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in collaboration with Islamic scholars and organisations, on Thursday called for stronger unity, cooperation, and non-violent strategies to counter terrorism and extremism across West Africa and the Sahel.
The call came at the close of the first West African Islamic Conference on Security and Governance, held from November 4 to 6, 2025, at the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja, Nigeria.
The theme of the event is “The Role of Islamic Organisations in Countering Terrorism in the Sahel.”
The three-day conference which was co-organised by ECOWAS and the Jamiyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya, brought together Islamic leaders, traditional rulers, political figures, scholars, and representatives from ECOWAS member states, as well as international organisations.
In his address, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, described the conference as a landmark in regional cooperation against terrorism.
Touray acknowledged the growing threat of terrorism and violent extremism in the region, noting that “the 2025 Global Terrorism Index report reveals a significant shift in global terrorism patterns, with Africa emerging as the new hub of terrorism. The Sahel region, in particular, has seen a dramatic increase in terrorism.”
The ECOWAS Commission President reiterated that the regional body’s Action Plan Against Terrorism focuses on both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies and emphasised the need to modernise traditional Quranic schools to prevent youth radicalisation.
“We need to improve and modernise the school system and convert them into conducive and formalised centres of learning and economic empowerment,” he stated.
He further recognised member states’ ongoing efforts to integrate traditional Islamic schools into national education systems.
The Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, commended ECOWAS for its leadership and international partners for their collaboration.
“Your commitment to regional peace and security is a beacon of hope for our citizens,” he said.
Calling for continued partnership between governments and religious institutions, the Emir, who is also the President of the association in Nigeria added, “Let us strive to create a region where every individual can live in peace, security, and dignity.
“Let us work together to build a brighter future for our children and our community.”
The PUNCH
