The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has declared a state of emergency across the sub-region, citing escalating political instability, repeated military interventions, and widening security threats.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, during the 55th Session of the Mediation and Security Council at Ministerial Level, held in Abuja.
Touray said recent developments underscore the urgent need for deep reflection on the future of democracy in West Africa, as well as immediate, coordinated investments in regional security architecture.
According to him, the wave of coups and attempted mutinies demonstrates that the region is at a “critical crossroads,” requiring decisive action to prevent further democratic erosion and security breakdowns.
The emergency declaration follows a chain of destabilizing events, including: Military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger; a coup attempt in Guinea-Bissau; a foiled mutiny in Benin Republic and rising extremist and armed group activities across the Sahel and coastal states.
This development comes amid ongoing debates about the effectiveness of ECOWAS sanctions, peacekeeping mechanisms, and its overall capacity to enforce democratic norms among member states.