Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama recently visited Niamey, Niger, where he held crucial security discussions with Niger’s leader, President Abdurahaman Tchiani. The two leaders emphasized the urgent need for enhanced collaboration to tackle terrorism, which continues to destabilize West Africa.
This high-level meeting comes at a time of increasing security concerns, particularly as the Confederation of Sahel States (CSS)—comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—has announced plans to deploy a unified 5,000-strong military force to combat the growing threat of terrorism in the region.
Niger’s Defense Minister, General Salifou Mody, confirmed that the newly formed CSS force would be equipped with a range of capabilities, including aerial support, ground troops, and advanced intelligence operations. The force is expected to operate under a coordinated command structure, designed to improve regional security operations and counter terrorist activities effectively.
President Mahama and President Tchiani expressed shared concerns about the lack of a unified regional response to the growing terrorist threat, noting that without a concerted approach, extremist groups could destabilize not only the Sahel but the broader West African region. The Sahel has become a hotspot for militant activity, with armed groups conducting attacks across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
In a further step towards reinforcing regional security, President Mahama had earlier appointed Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, a retired military officer and former national security coordinator, as Ghana’s Special Envoy to the Sahel States Alliance (CSS). Gbevlo-Lartey’s appointment signals Ghana’s growing commitment to securing the Sahel, particularly as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso officially exit the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). His role will be critical in facilitating dialogue and cooperation within the CSS, as these countries forge new security and diplomatic alliances outside the ECOWAS framework.
The strengthening of security cooperation between Ghana and Niger is part of a broader effort to curb the rising tide of terrorism in West Africa and ensure the stability of the Sahel region.
