The Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Masanneh Kinteh ON Thursday 17 May 2018 returned from Lome where he attended the 38th Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CCDS). The convergence which was held in the Togolese capital, Lome from 14-16 May 2018 is consequent upon an invitation by the regional body and subsequent approval by the Commander-In-Chief to enable the CDS to attend this important meeting of military chiefs in the sub-region. 
The opening ceremony was attended on behalf of the Togolese President by the Minister of Presidential Affairs Honourable Mr. Solitoki Esso. In attendance was also the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security at the ECOWAS Commission, General (Retired) Francis A Behanzin, and the Special Representatives of the President of the ECOWAS Commission in the Gambia and Guinea Bissau.
In a symbolic ceremony, the Togolese Chief of Defence Staff Maj Gen Kadangha Abalo was inaugurated as the new Chairman of CCDS. In his welcoming remarks, he paid tribute to his predecessor for his commitment in steering the affairs of the Committee. He pointed out the complexity of the growing security threats that the region is confronted with as a concern to the Committee and that the task to preserve the peace and stability as pre-requisite for development is paramount.
A host of important regional security issues were discussed and adopted by the military chiefs.
