ECOWAS, Islamic scholars join forces to tackle terrorism in West Africa

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in partnership with Islamic scholars and organisations, has called for stronger unity, cooperation, and the adoption of non-violent strategies to counter terrorism and violent extremism across West Africa and the Sahel.

The call came at the close of the first West African Islamic Conference on Security and Governance, which held from November 4 to 6, 2025, in Abuja.

The conference, themed “The Role of Islamic Organisations in Countering Terrorism in the Sahel,” brought together prominent Islamic leaders, traditional rulers, political figures, scholars, and representatives from ECOWAS member states and international organisations.

In his address, Omar Touray, President of ECOWAS Commission, described the gathering as a landmark in regional cooperation against terrorism.

He warned that the region faces a grave and evolving threat, citing findings from the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, which identifies Africa as the new global epicentre of terrorism.

“The Sahel region, in particular, has seen a dramatic increase in terrorism. We must combine kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to tackle the menace and modernise our traditional Quranic schools to prevent youth radicalisation”, Touray said.

He added that ECOWAS’ Action Plan Against Terrorism aims to strengthen security cooperation while promoting education and social reforms that address the root causes of extremism.

“We need to improve and modernise the school system and convert them into formalised centres of learning and economic empowerment,” Touray stated.

Muhammad Sanusi II, Emir of Kano, who also serves as the President of Jamiyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya in Nigeria, commended ECOWAS for its leadership and urged continued collaboration between governments and religious institutions.

“Your commitment to regional peace and security is a beacon of hope for our citizens. Let us strive to create a region where every individual can live in peace, security, and dignity”, he said.

He emphasised the role of faith-based organisations in promoting social cohesion, peacebuilding, and moral education across the subregion.

Mohamed Chambas, African Union High Representative for ‘Silencing the Guns,’ said the goal of the forum was to design an action plan that leverages the influence of Islamic organisations in countering terrorism through non-kinetic means.

Represented by Abdel-Fatah Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Chambas said participants affirmed that authentic Islamic teachings promote peace, justice, and respect for human life, principles that reject all forms of violence.

He listed poverty, unemployment, political marginalisation, and weak governance as key enablers of extremist recruitment and urged stakeholders to implement the Regional Declaration on Improving Islamic Education and Countering Violent Extremism adopted at the conference.

“Over 40 million children are out of school, and terrorism-related deaths have increased by 10 percent in the past decade.

“We must empower Islamic organisations to promote peace, tolerance, and coexistence while strengthening cross-border cooperation”, Chambas warned.

Sayyid Yahaya, National Secretary of Jamiyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya, described the event as “a clear success” that reaffirmed the group’s belief in unity and collective action for peace in West Africa.

Speaking with journalists after the closing ceremony, Yahaya said representatives from 21 countries, including Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Algeria, Mauritania, and Lebanon, shared experiences on regional peace initiatives.

“Our focus was to develop better non-kinetic approaches and strengthen the role of respected Islamic leaders in fostering stability across West Africa and the Sahel.

“Collaboration, information sharing, and community involvement are crucial to achieving lasting peace”, he said.

Yahaya emphasised inclusivity in tackling insecurity, urging collaboration between Muslims, Christians, and adherents of other faiths.

“Terrorism and extremism have no religion. Even humanity itself rejects violence,” he said.

He welcomed Nigeria’s ongoing education reforms, particularly efforts to modernise the Almajiri system, stressing that private and community initiatives must complement government investment in education.

“The government cannot fund education 100 percent. UNESCO recommends 26 percent of the national budget, but no West African country has reached 20 percent. That’s why community involvement is essential”, he said.

He revealed that Attijaniyya is partnering with international bodies to develop a model for improving infrastructure in Almajiri schools while preserving their cultural identity.

He also urged parents to take responsibility for their children’s education and welfare, linking knowledge to social and economic empowerment.

When asked about recent remarks by Donald Trump, President of United States, regarding Nigeria’s security challenges, Yahaya said the group remained unfazed, relying on faith and unity to sustain peace.

“Our strength as religious leaders lies in prayer and in our belief in Allah. We have lived together in compassion and love, and we will continue to promote unity among Muslims and Christians alike”, he said.

He reiterated the group’s outright rejection of terrorism and all forms of violence, stressing: “Religion and violence have no connection. All religions seek to preserve human dignity and uphold humanity in every sense. We remain advocates of peace and harmony.”

The three-day conference featured 11 sessions under seven sub-themes, exploring economic, social, and political drivers of radicalisation.

Delegates examined reforms in traditional Islamic education, youth empowerment, and community resilience.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Regional Declaration on Improving Islamic Education and Countering Violent Extremism, which outlines strategies to strengthen Islamic organisations’ roles in fostering peace and stability.