The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced a regional state of emergency in response to a string of coups and attempted mutinies unsettling several member nations.
The declaration was delivered by ECOWAS Commission President, Omar Touray, during the 55th Session of the Mediation and Security Council at the ministerial level, held in Abuja on December 9, 2025.
Touray warned that the wave of political instability sweeping through West Africa demands urgent soul-searching and renewed commitment to safeguarding democratic governance.
He stressed that the recent incidents reveal the pressing need to strengthen regional security architecture and reinforce collective protections against unconstitutional power grabs.
According to him, the troubling trend calls for “deep introspection about the future of democracy in our region and a renewed determination to invest in the security of our community.”
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The emergency declaration comes in the wake of heightened tensions, including the failed coup attempt in Benin earlier in the week, which further raised concerns about the fragility of political systems across the sub-region.
More details are expected as ECOWAS continues its deliberations.
