The West African Standby Force (WASF) is a regional military initiative established by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Its primary goal is to enhance peacekeeping and crisis response capabilities in the West African region. The force is composed of military, police, and civilian personnel from member states, ready to be deployed in times of conflict or humanitarian emergencies. WASF operates under the framework of the African Standby Force, which aims to provide a rapid response to conflicts across the continent. The initiative reflects the commitment of West African nations to work collaboratively in maintaining stability and security, addressing issues such as civil unrest and natural disasters.