The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has unveiled details of its planned standby force following a three-day meeting of Chiefs of Defence Staff from member states.

In its first phase, the West African bloc intends to deploy a 2,000-strong force by the end of the year. The force is expected to combat terrorism and help preserve democracy across the sub-region.

The announcement was made after the meeting of ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff in Freetown. ECOWAS says it will rely primarily on internal resources to establish and sustain the force.

Morgan Assogba Metondji, an ECOWAS specialist, has also shared his perspective on the development, highlighting its significance for regional security.