At the close of the first West African Islamic Conference on Security and Governance, held from November 4 to 6, 2025, at the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja, Nigeria, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in collaboration with Islamic scholars and organisations, Thursday called for unity, cooperation, and non-violent strategies to counter terrorism and extremism in West Africa and the Sahel.

The three-day conference co-organised by ECOWAS and the Jamiyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya, themed: “The Role of Islamic Organisations in Countering Terrorism in the Sahel,” brought together Islamic leaders, traditional rulers, political figures, scholars, and representatives from ECOWAS member states, as well as international organisations.

President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, described the conference as a landmark in regional cooperation against terrorism.

He noted the growing threat of terrorism and violent extremism in the region, adding that “the 2025 Global Terrorism Index report reveals a significant shift in global terrorism patterns, with Africa emerging as the new hub of terrorism. The Sahel region, in particular, has seen a dramatic increase in terrorism.”

The ECOWAS Commission President reiterated that the regional body’s Action Plan Against Terrorism focuses on both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies and emphasised the need to modernise traditional Quranic schools to prevent youth radicalisation.

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

The Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, commended ECOWAS for its leadership and international partners for their collaboration, and caslled for continued partnership between governments and religious institutions.

“Let us strive to create a region where every individual can live in peace, security, and dignity. Let us work together to build a brighter future for our children and our community,” he said.