Regional leaders intensify cooperation on terrorism, organised crime, cyber threats and the growing challenge of misinformation
By Chioma Vivian James
Efforts to deepen strategic cooperation between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and France have gained renewed momentum, with regional security emerging as a central priority in high-level discussions between the two sides.
The renewed engagement came to the fore on Thursday, September 17, 2026, when the ECOWAS Commission President, General Birame Diop, received the French Ambassador to ECOWAS, Marc Fonbaustier, in Abuja.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both officials to review the longstanding ECOWAS-France relationship while examining the complex and evolving security challenges confronting West Africa.
Among the major issues discussed were terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime and cross-border criminal activities, alongside the increasingly significant threats posed by misinformation and disinformation.
The broad range of security concerns reflects the changing nature of threats across the region, where criminal networks and extremist groups increasingly exploit porous borders, digital platforms and emerging technologies to expand their activities.
Against this backdrop, stronger regional and international cooperation remains an important component of efforts to promote stability, strengthen security institutions and protect communities across West Africa.
General Diop expressed appreciation for France’s longstanding friendship and cooperation with ECOWAS, while emphasising his administration’s intention to build on the relationships established by previous leaderships.
“We will add our own values to these relationships that we have inherited from our predecessors,” he said.
The statement underscored the importance attached to continuity in ECOWAS’ external partnerships as the regional bloc confronts a rapidly changing security environment.
The engagement with France also comes as ECOWAS continues to pursue measures aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, addressing transnational security threats and promoting peace and stability among its member states.
Beyond conventional security concerns, the inclusion of cybercrime, misinformation and disinformation in the discussions highlights the expanding scope of contemporary threats to regional peace and governance.
For ECOWAS, sustained collaboration with strategic international partners could provide additional avenues for strengthening regional responses to threats that increasingly transcend national boundaries.
The Abuja meeting therefore represents another step in the continuing engagement between ECOWAS and France, with security cooperation, regional stability and coordinated responses to emerging threats remaining key areas of mutual interest.
