The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has declared a state of emergency across the region in response to a series of coups, attempted coups and violent mutinies that have destabilised multiple member states.
Okay News reports that the announcement was made on Tuesday by Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, during the 55th session of the bloc’s Mediation and Security Council at ministerial level.
Touray said the worsening political and security climate in West Africa demands urgent action. Addressing delegates in Abuja, he said the wave of military takeovers has forced the region into a moment of serious reflection about its democratic future.
According to him, the repeated breakdown of constitutional order across the sub-region underscores the need for stronger safeguards, coordinated responses and renewed commitment from political leaders.
Touray warned that the pattern of instability calls for both security investment and a fresh examination of ECOWAS’ role in protecting democracy. He said the bloc must move with resolve if it intends to halt further deterioration in governance and public trust.
He noted that the 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.”
The emergency declaration comes after a turbulent period marked by coups in Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea, as well as the recent failed coup attempt in Benin Republic.
The region has also seen political uncertainty in Guinea-Bissau, where a military faction attempted to seize power last month.
