By Lincoln G. Peters
MONROVIA, Liberia, October 16, 2026 – Lofa County Senator Momo Tarnuekollie Cyrus has called for stronger security cooperation among West African countries, warning that growing cross-border threats cannot be effectively addressed without intelligence sharing, coordinated border management, and collective regional action.
Senator Cyrus, who chairs the Senate Committee on National Defense, Intelligence, Security and Veterans Affairs, made the call on Wednesday, October 14, while addressing 75 senior military officers, staff, and students from Nigeria’s Armed Forces Command and Staff College, alongside participants from Sierra Leone and Ghana.
The engagement was held at the Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Monrovia.
Speaking on the theme, “Beyond Borders: Building a Shared Security Future for West Africa,” Cyrus stressed that isolated national security strategies are inadequate to confront increasingly interconnected threats facing the region.
He urged West African governments to move beyond political declarations and translate regional security commitments into practical cooperation.
According to the lawmaker, the region’s security depends on the ability of governments to share intelligence, coordinate operations, strengthen institutions, and address the underlying causes of instability.
Cyrus outlined five priorities for strengthening regional security: intelligence sharing and early-warning systems, integrated border management, maritime security cooperation, legislative oversight and accountability, and investment in youth empowerment, environmental security, and conflict prevention.
He explained that effective intelligence sharing would help countries identify emerging threats, while coordinated border management would strengthen cooperation among security agencies operating across national boundaries.
The senator also emphasized the importance of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, where cooperation among coastal states remains critical to protecting trade, shipping, and regional economic interests.
Beyond military cooperation, Cyrus called for stronger legislative oversight to ensure that security institutions operate within the law and remain accountable to citizens.
He argued that governments must also confront youth unemployment, environmental pressures, and other socioeconomic challenges that could fuel instability and conflict.
Drawing lessons from Liberia’s civil conflict and post-war recovery, the Lofa County lawmaker stressed that preventing violence is less costly than responding to conflicts after they escalate.
He urged governments to prioritize early intervention, institutional strengthening, and investment in programs that promote sustainable peace.
Cyrus further called for greater cooperation through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and existing regional security mechanisms.
He maintained that regional security agreements must produce measurable results rather than remain political commitments without effective implementation.
The senator emphasized that lasting peace and stability in West Africa require sustained political commitment, stronger institutions, and coordinated action among member states.
The post Cyrus Urges United Front Against Regional Threats appeared first on Liberia news The New Dawn Liberia, premier resource for latest news.