Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has warned that the country risks significant setbacks if its West African neighbors — Niger Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso — fail to return to democratic governance.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme, Musa expressed deep concerns about the ripple effects of political instability in the three Sahel countries, which are currently under military rule and have withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The countries now operate under a new bloc known as the Alliance of Sahel States, formed in September 2023.
According to the Defence Chief, poor governance, poverty, and climate change in the region are compounding Nigeria’s security and economic challenges.
“We have issues of poverty in West Africa, a lot of issues with governance, challenges with Niger Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso,” Musa said. “They are taking a lot of heat because the areas are large, there is a lot of poverty, climate change is a major issue, and the lack of political will is driving instability.”
Musa emphasized that Nigeria’s progress is intertwined with the stability of its neighbors.
He maintained that a return to democratic rule in those countries is crucial for regional peace, security, and development.
“For us in Nigeria, we have a lot to lose if they do not get it right,” he warned. “They must embrace democratic systems that can facilitate better governance and sound decision-making structures.”
On domestic efforts, the Defence Chief highlighted steps being taken by the Nigerian government to strengthen border security to curb the spillover of security threats from neighboring countries.
“The federal government is stepping up border management to ensure our boundaries are well protected,” he said, adding that collaborative regional security efforts are essential to sustaining peace.
Addressing Nigeria’s recent placement in the sixth position on the Global Terrorism Index, General Musa insisted that the country has made notable progress in curbing terrorist activities and restoring order in many communities.
“Though some challenges remain, there has been a clear improvement in security. Farmers are returning to their fields, and peace is gradually returning across regions. Nigerians can see the difference,” he noted.
Musa urged citizens to support ongoing efforts by the security agencies and the government, stating that collective action is key to maintaining stability and development in the country and across the subregion