ECOWAS Officials Urge Documentation of West African Peacekeeping History Amidst Regional Instability
Dr. Babatunde Afolabi, Director of Political Affairs at the ECOWAS Commission, and Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd.), have called for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to proactively document and preserve its history of regional peacemaking. This appeal was made in Abuja during the unveiling of new publications detailing ECOWAS’s peacebuilding, peacemaking, and peacekeeping interventions, particularly its operations in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea-Bissau. Both officials emphasized the need for West Africa to control its own narrative regarding these historical events, arguing that external accounts often diminish the sacrifices made by West African soldiers and citizens. They highlighted that accurate documentation is crucial for institutional credibility, regional identity, and for educating younger generations about the efforts and costs involved in achieving peace in the region. The timing of this debate is significant as West Africa currently faces a ... 
