Leaders from Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and representatives from Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo convened in Accra from January 29–30 for a High-Level Consultative Conference on Regional Cooperation and Security. The meeting, chaired by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, saw President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone and President Joseph Boakai of Liberia lead their respective delegations.
In a joint communiqué, the leaders painted a stark picture of the region, describing West Africa as “the global epicentre of terrorism and violent extremism.” They warned that daily terror attacks claim an average of 44 lives, with the region accounting for more than half of all global terrorism-related deaths. “We are witnessing an alarming uptick in extremist attacks for which inaction is not an option,” the statement said.
The conference brought together ministers of foreign affairs, defence and security, intelligence chiefs, and input from the African Union Commission, the United Nations Development Programme, and civil society groups. Participants emphasized the need for a permanent framework for regional cooperation, one that moves beyond ad-hoc coordination and focuses on shared programmes, standards, and infrastructure priorities while mitigating common risks.
On counter-terrorism, leaders pledged to strengthen regular security reviews, boost intelligence sharing, harmonize legal frameworks for cross-border prosecutions, and expand de-radicalisation initiatives. Border security measures will include consideration of “hot-pursuit” agreements, a foundational Memorandum of Understanding within three months, and enhanced mechanisms against trafficking in drugs, humans, and arms.
Acknowledging that military action alone cannot secure lasting peace, the communiqué highlighted the importance of human security. Leaders committed to improving food security, healthcare, employment, education, local governance, and the use of digital technology to modernize border management and service delivery.
The conference reflects a shared determination to confront rising threats and strengthen the safety, stability, and resilience of the West African region.
