ECOWAS Declares State of Emergency in West Africa
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has declared a state of emergency in the region following a surge of coups and failed mutinies.
The President of the ECOWAS commission, Omar Touray, announced the decision on Tuesday during the 55th session of the Mediation and Security Council at the ministerial level in Abuja.
He described recent events as a “call for serious introspection on the future of our democracy and the urgent need to invest in the security of our community.”
The declaration follows last month’s coup in Guinea-Bissau, where military officers seized power and suspended the electoral process just days after a presidential vote.
On Sunday, soldiers staged a takeover in Benin Republic, prompting Nigeria to deploy the Air Force to help restore constitutional order at the request of the Benin government, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said.
Hours later, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a breakaway ECOWAS faction, accused Nigeria of violating its airspace, warning that it had the authority to neutralise intruders.
“Faced with this situation, Excellencies, it is safe to declare that our community is in a state of emergency,” Touray said.
He highlighted elections as a major source of instability in West Africa, saying that despite ECOWAS’ efforts to uphold democratic principles and support free elections, political practices continue to undermine regional stability.
Upcoming elections in Guinea, Benin, Gambia, and Cape Verde heighten these concerns.
He also stressed the need to strengthen security cooperation with neighbours, particularly the AES, to tackle terrorism and banditry along borders. “We must pool our resources to confront threats that operate without respect for territorial boundaries,” he said.
Touray concluded by urging ECOWAS members to maintain unity amid growing geopolitical pressures.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
