Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has declared a state of emergency across West Africa due to a series of recent coups and failed mutinies in the region.
This announcement was made by ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray during the 55th session of the Mediation and Security Council at the ministerial level, held in Abuja on December 9, 2025.
Touray emphasized that these events underscore the urgent need for deep reflection on the future of democracy in the sub-region and greater investment in community security.
Touray said the 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 declaration follows heightened instability, including a thwarted coup attempt in Benin just days earlier.
