ECOWAS Partners Islamic Leaders to Strengthen Peace Efforts Against Extremism in West Africa

story: written by Myra November 7,2025
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), working alongside Islamic scholars and faith-based organisations, has called for deeper cooperation and the use of peaceful, non-violent approaches to curb terrorism and extremism across West Africa and the Sahel.

The appeal was made at the close of the maiden West African Islamic Conference on Security and Governance, held in Abuja from November 4 to 6, 2025.

With the theme, “The Role of Islamic Organisations in Countering Terrorism in the Sahel,” the conference brought together prominent Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, political leaders, and delegates from ECOWAS member states, as well as global development partners.

Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, described the forum as a major step toward improving regional cooperation against the growing threat of terrorism.

Touray warned that the danger facing the region is escalating, pointing to the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, which identifies Africa as the new centre of global terrorist activity.

“The Sahel has witnessed a sharp rise in terror attacks. We must blend military strategies with education-based and community-driven solutions, including modernising traditional Quranic schools to shield young people from radicalisation,” he said.

He noted that ECOWAS’ counterterrorism roadmap focuses on boosting security collaboration while addressing the social and educational roots of extremism.

Muhammad Sanusi II, Emir of Kano and President of Jamiyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya, praised ECOWAS for leading regional peace efforts. He urged stronger cooperation between governments and religious institutions.

“Your efforts give hope to our citizens. Let us build a region where every person can live in dignity, safety, and peace,” Sanusi stated, emphasising the importance of faith-based groups in promoting morality, unity, and social harmony.

Mohamed Chambas, the African Union’s High Representative for “Silencing the Guns,” said the objective of the meeting was to create a blueprint that empowers Islamic organisations to counter terrorism through dialogue, education, and community engagement.

Represented by Abdel-Fatah Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Chambas stressed that Islam rejects all forms of violence.

He identified poverty, joblessness, political exclusion, and weak governance as factors pushing young people into extremist groups. He urged governments to implement the Regional Declaration on Improving Islamic Education and Countering Violent Extremism adopted at the conference.

“Over 40 million children in the region are out of school, and terror-related deaths have risen by 10 percent in the last decade. We must strengthen cross-border cooperation and empower Islamic organisations to spread peace and tolerance,” he warned.

Sayyid Yahaya, National Secretary of Jamiyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya, said the conference was “a tremendous success,” noting that delegates from 21 countries — including Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Algeria, Mauritania, and Lebanon — shared best practices on peacebuilding.

“Our objective was to strengthen non-violent responses to insecurity and elevate the role of respected Islamic leaders in stabilising the region,” he said. “Cooperation, intelligence-sharing, and grassroots involvement are key to lasting peace.”

He called for unity across faiths, saying extremism has no religion.

“Terrorism is rejected by Islam, Christianity, and humanity itself,” he noted.

Yahaya welcomed ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s education sector, especially efforts to upgrade the Almajiri learning system. He stressed that community participation must support government spending.

“No West African country spends up to 20 percent of its national budget on education, despite UNESCO’s 26 percent recommendation. That’s why community action matters,” he said.

He revealed that Jamiyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya is partnering with international organisations to improve infrastructure in Almajiri schools while protecting their cultural identity. He urged parents to prioritise their children’s education, calling knowledge the foundation of empowerment.

Reacting to comments by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Nigeria’s security situation, Yahaya said the organisation remains focused on peace.

“Our power lies in prayer and faith. We will continue to promote unity among Muslims and Christians. Violence has no place in religion,” he said.

The conference featured 11 sessions across seven sub-themes that examined the economic, social, and political roots of radicalisation. Discussions covered reforms to Islamic education, youth empowerment, and community resilience strategies.

The event ended with the formal adoption of the Regional Declaration on Improving Islamic Education and Countering Violent Extremism, outlining steps to strengthen the role of Islamic organisations in advancing peace and stability across West Africa and the Sahel.

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