The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has declared a regional state of emergency, warning that the subregion is facing a dangerous surge in coups, attempted power grabs, and worsening insecurity.
The declaration was made by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, during a meeting of the bloc’s Mediation and Security Council, where political instability and security threats across West Africa dominated discussions.
Touray said the region has entered what he described as “high-risk conditions,” driven by a wave of unconstitutional changes of government, stalled democratic transitions, and the growing influence of terrorist groups, armed militias, and transnational criminal networks.
According to him, the situation poses an existential threat to democratic governance and regional stability, warning that insecurity in one country easily spills across borders in West Africa’s interconnected security environment.
Coups and Rising Insecurity
ECOWAS cited recent coup plots and political crises as evidence of the deteriorating situation, including political upheavals in Guinea-Bissau, reports of an attempted coup in Benin, and prolonged or uncertain transition processes in parts of the region.
The bloc also raised concerns about the continued spread of terrorism in the Sahel and coastal West African states, where extremist groups have expanded attacks, displaced communities, and undermined state authority.
Touray noted that beyond military threats, the region is now grappling with deepening humanitarian crises, including mass displacement, food insecurity, and economic hardship, all of which create fertile ground for instability and political unrest.
Call for Collective Action
ECOWAS urged member states to intensify intelligence sharing, security cooperation, and joint operations to counter terrorism, organized crime, and emerging coup threats. The bloc also reaffirmed its commitment to defending constitutional order and democratic rule, warning that silence or inaction would only embolden anti-democratic forces.
While specific emergency measures were not immediately outlined, ECOWAS signalled readiness to activate existing regional mechanisms, including diplomatic pressure, sanctions, and security support, where necessary, to prevent further breakdowns of constitutional order.
A Region at a Crossroads
Analysts see the declaration as one of ECOWAS’ strongest warnings in recent years, reflecting growing alarm within the bloc that West Africa could slide into widespread instability if decisive collective action is not taken.
As the region battles insecurity, political uncertainty, and humanitarian strain simultaneously, ECOWAS leaders stressed that safeguarding democracy and restoring security is no longer optional but a matter of regional survival.