The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has declared a state of emergency for the region, citing escalating political and security challenges.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray during the 55th Session of the Mediation and Security Council in Abuja.
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Touray warned that West Africa’s political environment is deteriorating rapidly, with most member countries rated as “high risk.” He highlighted repeated military interventions, unconstitutional transitions, exclusion from elections, rising influence of terrorist and criminal groups, and geopolitical pressures as major threats.
Touray said the situation is unprecedented, urging member states to pool resources to fight terrorism and cross-border crime. He called for more frequent council meetings to address political transitions, electoral inclusion, and regional unity.
Touray also raised concern over worsening humanitarian conditions, citing UNHCR data showing 7.6 million people forcibly displaced across the region, with the largest populations in Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali.
Despite the challenges, Touray reaffirmed ECOWAS’s commitment to citizens and adherence to constitutional norms. The session welcomed new ministerial representatives, including Nigeria’s Defence Minister, retired General Christopher Musa, and Cabo Verde’s Foreign Minister, José Luis Livramento.
Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister and Council Chair, Timothy Kabba, called for decisive action to protect democracy, citing the recent coup in Guinea‑Bissau and the foiled attempt in Benin. He emphasized ECOWAS-led interventions, such as Sierra Leone’s high-level delegation to Guinea‑Bissau on 1 December 2025, which helped ease tensions.
The Mediation and Security Council meeting precedes the upcoming ECOWAS summit of Heads of State and Government, where leaders are expected to review recommendations to restore stability amid rising political crises, coups, and the influence of armed groups across the region.
