By Stella Odueme
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and France have discussed ways to strengthen cooperation on regional security and stability amid growing threats across West Africa.
The President of the ECOWAS Commission, General Birame Diop, held talks with the French Ambassador to ECOWAS, Marc Fonbaustier, during the envoy’s visit to Abuja, according to a statement issued on Saturday.
The discussions centred on strengthening the longstanding relationship between ECOWAS and France and enhancing joint efforts to address security challenges affecting the region.
Among the threats considered were terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, cross-border criminal activities, as well as the spread of misinformation and disinformation.
Diop welcomed France’s continued partnership with ECOWAS, noting that sustained cooperation remained important to confronting emerging threats and promoting peace and stability in West Africa.
“We will add our own values to these relationships that we have inherited from our predecessors,” Diop said.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to building on existing relations with France and contributing to stronger cooperation in areas of mutual interest.