The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has a history of activating its Standby Force to address insurgencies and political crises within the region. The ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) is a multidisciplinary arrangement comprising military, police, and civilian components, designed for rapid deployment during crises.

Notable Activations of the ECOWAS Standby Force:

1. Mali (2013): In response to the Northern Mali conflict, ECOWAS organized the African-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA) to support the Malian government against Islamist rebels.

    

2. The Gambia (2017): ECOWAS intervened militarily to resolve a constitutional crisis when then-President Yahya Jammeh refused to step down after losing the presidential election. The intervention facilitated the peaceful transfer of power to President Adama Barrow.

    

3. Niger (2023): Following a coup d'état in July 2023, ECOWAS activated its Standby Force, threatening military intervention to restore constitutional order. This move underscored ECOWAS's commitment to democracy and stability in the region.

    

These interventions highlight ECOWAS's proactive stance in utilizing its Standby Force to address insurgencies and uphold democratic principles within West Africa.