NIAMEY: The Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, is currently in the Niger Republic for a meeting with the Niger Chief of Defence Staff, General Mousa Barmo.
Brig.-Gen.Tukur Gusau, Acting Director of Defence Information, confirmed this visit to news outlets on Wednesday in Abuja.
Photographs released by Gusau show that Gen. Musa was warmly received by his Nigerien counterpart. This visit comes in the wake of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso announcing their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) following their expulsion due to disruptions in democratic governance.
As Chairman of the ECOWAS Committee of Defence Chiefs, Gen. Musa has recently advocated for the reintegration of these countries into the regional bloc.
He said that their return is crucial for addressing the widespread insecurity in the region, particularly insurgency.
Efforts are ongoing to facilitate the return of these nations to ECOWAS, with a collective approach necessary to tackle West Africa’s security challenges.
Today’s visit to Niamey is likely related to these ongoing discussions and efforts. Further details are expected later.
