Anti-Terrorism In West Africa Through Constructing A Community Of Shared Future Among ECOWAS States

West Africa,a block of fifteen African countries has endured challenging times on the road to democratization and economic development.This can still be called a "work in progress" since much has not been achieved by West African States in the area of economic development.Politically,West African States have achieved tremendously progress.The region has enjoyed the most relative peaceful period since the end of slave trade.Not forgetting that West African countries had also been hamstrung by various forms of violence ranging from bloody civil wars,ethnic conflicts,coup detats and religious insurgency.It is on record that most of these conflicts has to an extent been managed through the various interventions of the Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS),the region currently has to deal with the emerging security threats,the increasing waves of terrorism with unprecedented evidence in Nigeria,Niger,Mali and most recently in Burkina Faso where extremist groups have been targeting restaurant and shops mostly visited by foreign tourist.The fear is that,this growing threat of terrorism in some West African States is likely to threaten the legitimacy and territorial integrity of some member states.From the above background,this research seeks to explore terrorism challenges facing West African countries and efforts to build anti-terrorism in West Africa through constructing a Community of shared future among the Economic community of West African States.If West African states have a common enemy,which is terror threats then it will be wise for them to work together to eradicate this enemy by a common method.This paper will also advocate for security community which to date has not been present among West Africa Sates.This goes to affirm an African proverb which states that "When you see your friends beard burning,you better get water ready by your side".The research will also call for integrated and comprehensive security cooperation among West African States through the collaboration of ECOWAS,not forgetting the long-term support of the African Union and the international community in dealing with the current wave of terror in West Africa as well as Africa as a whole.