ECOWAS, Islamic Leaders Unite To Combat Terrorism in West Africa

By Angel Ike.

The ECOWAS Commission, in collaboration with Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya, have assured their unity to combat terrorism and strengthen governance in West Africa

They hosted the West African Islamic Conference on Security and Governance at the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja from November 4 to 6, 2025.

This significant gathering assembled Islamic organisations, government officials, traditional and religious leaders, scholars, policymakers, youth, and regional partners to formulate concrete strategies addressing terrorism, violent extremism, and governance issues in West Africa and the Sahel.

Under the theme “The Role of Islamic Organisations in Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism in West Africa and the Sahel,” the conference underscored the critical need to improve governance, protect children in traditional Islamic education, and enhance cooperation between state and non-state actors to promote peace, social cohesion, and regional stability.