ECOWAS declares regional state of emergency amid surge in coups

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has declared a regional state of emergency following a sharp rise in coups, attempted coups and escalating insecurity across West Africa.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray during the 55th Session of the Mediation and Security Council in Abuja.

Touray warned that West Africa now faces an “average high-risk” security rating, pointing to recent military interventions in Guinea-Bissau and Benin, stalled political transitions in Guinea, increasing electoral exclusion, and the growing reach of terrorist and criminal networks. He added that elections have increasingly become flashpoints for instability, while geopolitical pressures continue to undermine cohesion within the bloc.

He said, “Events of the last few weeks have shown the imperative of serious introspection on the future of our democracy and the urgent need to invest in the security of our community.

“As you would have seen in the memoranda before you, the country-by-country analyses of our member states show different risk levels across our community, from high to medium, with an average of high risk, thereby demanding immediate and concerted action.

“The risk factors are the persistence of military interventions (Guinea-Bissau and the Republic of Benin just days ago); non-compliance with transition norms in Guinea, where we face a military leader turning civilian; growing erosion of electoral inclusivity across multiple states; expanding influence of terrorists, armed groups and criminal networks; and increasing geopolitical pressures affecting member states’ diplomacy and cohesion.”

Touray called for more frequent meetings of the Mediation and Security Council and emphasised the need for collective action, including resource-pooling, to tackle terrorism, banditry and cross-border crime.

Despite the mounting challenges, he reassured citizens of the bloc’s commitment to stability.

He said, “Let me assure our community citizens that we will not rest on our oars. We will continue to work harder to promote a peaceful, stable and stronger region for the overall benefit of Community citizens.”