Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, has announced a regional state of emergency in response to rising political instability and security threats across West Africa.
The declaration was made during the 55th session of the Mediation and Security Council at the ministerial level in Abuja on Tuesday.
Touray said the worsening situation demands urgent collective action. “Recent developments highlight the imperative of serious introspection on the future of our democracy and the urgent need to invest in the security of our community,” he stated.
The emergency declaration follows a series of unconstitutional power seizures in the sub-region, with countries including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea-Bissau experiencing coups or attempted coups in recent years. Security agencies in Benin and other member states have also reported foiled mutinies.
Officials said Tuesday’s ministerial meeting was convened to evaluate threats ranging from military interventions to violent extremism and to consider measures to stabilise the region.
ECOWAS has faced scrutiny after Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger announced their withdrawal from the bloc earlier this year. More updates are expected as the council continues its deliberations in Abuja.
