A Nigerian ECOWAS Parliament member, Rep. Zainab Gimba, has raised an alarm over the surge in acts of terror and violent extremism across Nigeria, West Africa, and the Sahel.
Gimba raised the alarm while moving a motion titled, “Strengthening Regional Security Cooperation In Response To The Escalating Threat Of Terrorism And Violent Extremism In West Africa and the Sahel.”
Gimba noted that the upsurge in terrorism stemmed from the recent withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS.
“It is with a deep sense of urgency and commitment to regional peace and stability that I rise under Rule 87 of our Rules of Procedure to address this august House on a matter of grave concern to Nigeria my country, and to West Africa and the Sahel.”
The lawmaker highlighted the dire situation in Northeastern Nigeria, where Boko Haram and ISWAP have infiltrated the region.
She decried the use of advanced sophisticated weapons and ammunitions by the terrorists, saying, “They have overrun multiple military battalions, seizing weapons and destroying security installations in Buni Gari, Alagarno, Pulka, Wulgo, Rann, Marte, Wajiroko, and Sabon Gari in just 60 days.”
Gimba disclosed that the terrorists had launched coordinated offensives on communities, resulting in significant casualties. She said, “.
I have personally, in the company of my state governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, visited some of these areas with military protection, and on May 15, five days before the commencement of this very Session, Boko Haram attacked farming communities near Baga.”
The lawmaker noted that the impact of terrorism in Sub-Saharan Africa alone accounted for about 59% of all fatalities globally.
Gimba moved a motion seeking a parliamentary resolution compelling ECOWAS member states to improve the funding of the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad basin.
She also called for the deployment of rapid-response forces to high-risk zones across West Africa and the Sahel, strengthening of the ECOWAS Early Warning and Response Network, and providing more support to the ECOWAS Regional Food and Agricultural Agency.
The lawmaker also moved a motion for a Resolution for Parliament to endorse the dialogue that has been opened with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger with a view to reintegrating them into ECOWAS security frameworks.
She said, “I dare say that we already know why and how terrorism and violent extremism is spreading and engulfing West Africa and the Sahel.”
