Janet Samuel,Abuja
Nigerian lawmaker and ECOWAS Parliament member, Rep. Zainab Gimba has raised serious concerns over the rising wave of terrorism across West Africa and the Sahel, linking it to the recent withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS.
Speaking during the 2025 First Ordinary Session, Gimba said:
“What concerns me most is not the existence of terrorism alone, but the rapid escalation across West Africa—especially since the withdrawal of key member states.”
She cited recent attacks by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and foreign fighters in northeastern Nigeria, noting that “40 farmers were slaughtered in Dawoshi, 22 civilians killed in Malam Karamti, and 15 executed in Dabar Giwa, all within days.”
Gimba urged ECOWAS to immediately boost funding for the Multinational Joint Task Force, deploy rapid-response forces, and strengthen intelligence networks.
“We must act swiftly. The Sahel now accounts for 51% of global terrorism deaths. This is a regional emergency.”
She also called for dialogue to reintegrate Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger into ECOWAS security systems, warning:
“We already know why and how terrorism is spreading. Now is the time to respond together.”
