Enhancing the Civilian Dimension of the ECOWAS Standby Force in Combating Terrorism: A Social Resilience and Civil-Military Cooperation Perspective

Abstract

The persistence and geographical expansion of terrorism and violent extremism in West Africa increasingly demonstrate the limitations of predominantly kinetic approaches to regional security. Although military and police capabilities remain indispensable, the sustainability of counterterrorism efforts depends substantially on the capacity of civilian institutions, communities and security actors to work together in preventing radicalisation, strengthening early warning, protecting civilians, restoring social cohesion and consolidating peace. This study examines the enhancement of the civilian dimension of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Standby Force (ESF) from the perspective of social resilience and civil-military cooperation. It adopts a qualitative documentary research design supported by descriptive analysis of recent regional and international data and policy documents published between 2021 and 2026. The study draws on evidence from ECOWAS, the African Union (AU), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), World Bank and the Global Terrorism Index. Recent evidence shows that the Sahel accounted for more than half of global terrorism-related deaths in 2024, while West and Central Africa hosted 12.7 million forcibly displaced and stateless persons by April 2025. UNDP evidence from nearly 2,200 respondents across eight African countries further indicates that economic opportunity, governance deficits and experiences involving security forces can influence pathways into violent extremism. The study argues that the civilian dimension of the ESF should be conceptualised as a strategic capability rather than a supplementary function, integrating civil-military cooperation, civic engagement, community stabilisation, early warning, strategic communication, civilian protection, social resilience and partnerships. It concludes that strengthening these capabilities can improve the ESF's legitimacy, preventive reach and sustainability. The study recommends the institutionalisation of a regional civilian-capability architecture, strengthened civil-military cooperation, an integrated civic and community resilience framework, systematic civilian early-warning and stabilisation mechanisms, and a sustainable regional partnership and resource-mobilisation framework.