The Press Statement from Abuja, the ECOWAS Headquarters regarding the ECOMISIL Strategic Framework is in force until otherwise. (Photo: ECOWAS Chairman and Nigeria President Bola Ahmed Tinubu).

MANDATE – The mandate authorised ECOMISIL to use all necessary means within the limits of its capacity and areas of deployment in the execution of the following tasks:

•     Support the defence forces to ensure a secured environment in the country
•     Support the protection of vital state institutions
•     Ensure security to the civilian population and support the defence and security forces in their efforts to improve security condition in accordance with international humanitarian laws
•     Contribute to strengthening of trust between the population, the defence and security forces
•     The management shall include other assignments that the Authority may decide to entrust to the mission

ECOWAS DIRECTIVE TO THE ECOMISIL FORCE COMMANDER – Political Strategic Objective: – To implement a comprehensive and inclusive settlement to the current political crisis and ensure peace and stability in the country

Political Strategic End-state: The Sierra Leonean institutions are able to maintain law and order, provide basic services, and facilitate economic facilities in the country

Military Strategic Objective: To deter any threat of instability within the Republic of Sierra Leone and create favourable conditions for democracy to prosper

MISSION PHASES – Phase 1 Deployment (15 -30 September)

The deployment phase of the operation is the period of establishment of the mission. This period may witness a lot of activity, which include the projection and implantation of contingents. During this phase, the vulnerability of the mission is high so, there is a need for the units to be more vigilant.

ECOWAS is on a rescue mission – The 64th Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to provide a stabilisation force is in the implementation stages. Sub-regional nations are gradually putting together the available manpower to enforce and execute the bloc’s decision.

The Gambian Vice President Muhammed BS Jallow presented the issue in Parliament and it has been successfully ratified. They will provide 150 trained and experienced security personnel as a form of reinforcement and aid. The overarching objective of this decision is to guarantee peace, security, and stability. And to further ensure that constitutional order is restored in the Republic of Sierra Leone.

It brings to mind the long-standing difficulties that our mother country has faced from a leader that attacks democratic principles, non-adherence to the rule of law, and shutting down dissenting voices. The fundamental human rights and privileges of the Sierra Leonean people must be respected.

There is now a need for such an intervention to consolidate and restore lost hope. The decision and action of ECOWAS is for the general good of all. And to prepare the country for the next generation of leaders, the oxygen of democracy will soon be reawaken. Unity is strength! Courtesy: Dreamer Apc – People’s Republic of China 20th September, 2024.