 The block of West African nations began deploying a stabilization force to Guinea-Bissau after the country was thrown into turmoil when its president escaped a coup attempt in February. The Guinea-Bissau stabilization support mission comprises some 600 troops from Nigeria, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Ghana, according to the economic community of West African states, Echo West Block. Echo West Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, General Francis Behazen, stated that the mission would last one year and is renewable.