ECOWAS Sounds Alarm as Terrorism Expands Across West Africa, Records 1,900 Deaths in 2025

By Joylinda Laryea / 21 November 2025

ECOWAS Commission President H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray has warned that terrorism is no longer confined to the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin but now threatens the entirety of West Africa. Speaking on 18 November 2025 during a United Nations Security Council session focused on strengthening regional cooperation against terrorism, Dr. Touray revealed alarming early-warning data: 450 attacks and more than 1,900 deaths recorded across the region in 2025.

Dr. Touray highlighted that extremist groups are increasingly engaging in what he termed “economic warfare,” targeting fuel supplies and obstructing regional trade in an attempt to destabilize communities and governments. These tactics, he noted, are compounding humanitarian and security challenges and deepening economic vulnerabilities.

In response to the escalating threat, ECOWAS is fast-tracking the deployment of its standby force. The initial deployment of 1,650 personnel is set to expand to 5,000 troops with support from regional governments and international partners. The reinforced force aims to bolster counterterrorism operations, protect civilians, and secure critical infrastructure across affected areas.

However, Dr. Touray cautioned that fragmented national responses and persistent mistrust among actors continue to undermine collective security efforts. He urged the Security Council to support initiatives that rebuild trust, ensure predictable financing, and strengthen coordinated regional action.

He reiterated ECOWAS’ commitment to working with global partners to confront the rising tide of extremism and safeguard stability across West Africa.