The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has declared a regional state of emergency following a surge in coups, attempted mutinies, and political instability across member states.
The announcement was made on Tuesday in Abuja by Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, during the 55th session of the Mediation and Security Council at the ministerial level.
Touray said the wave of unconstitutional takeovers underscores the need for urgent reflection on the state of democracy in the region and renewed investment in collective security.
He noted that, “Faced with this situation, Excellencies, it is safe to declare that our community is in a state of emergency.”
Recent unrest includes the military takeover in Guinea-Bissau last month, during which officers dissolved state institutions shortly after presidential elections were conducted. On Sunday, soldiers in the Benin Republic also announced a takeover, prompting the deployment of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to help restore constitutional order. According to presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu approved the operation following a request from Benin’s government.
However, the intervention sparked tensions with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—a bloc formed by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—which accused Nigeria of violating its airspace and warned it had the authority to respond to any intrusion.
‘Elections Becoming Major Sources of Instability’
Touray expressed concern that elections, once symbols of democratic progress, have now become major triggers of instability.
He said that despite ECOWAS’ efforts to strengthen constitutional norms and support credible elections, political actors routinely violate these principles, heightening tensions during electoral cycles. Guinea, Benin, Gambia, and Cape Verde are among countries preparing for elections in the coming months.
Calls for Stronger Regional Security Cooperation
Touray also stressed the need for renewed dialogue with the AES bloc, particularly on security cooperation, given the growing threat of terrorist groups operating near shared borders.
“We must pool our resources to confront the threats of terrorism and banditry, which operate without respect for territorial boundaries,” he said.
He urged the council to prioritize unity within ECOWAS despite mounting geopolitical pressures, emphasizing that regional stability hinges on collective action.
