ECOWAS denies reports of 5,000-strong ECOMOG force

ECOWAS has described as incorrect media reports that a 5,000-strong ECOMOG force would be sent to Guinea Bissau, an ECOWAS official told IRIN today. Although the West African force is due to be sent, its exact strength has not yet been made public. Reuters cited a report by the News Agency of Nigeria quoting ECOWAS Executive Secretary Lansana Kouyate as saying a troop level of 5,000 had been determined by ECOMOG Force Commander Major General Timothy Shelpidi following a recent assessment mission to Guinea Bissau. “He never said such a thing,” the ECOWAS press official said.