ECOWAS declares regional state of emergency

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has declared a state of emergency across the region following a troubling spike in coups and attempted military uprisings in recent months.

The announcement was made on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, during the 55th Session of the Mediation and Security Council at the ministerial level in Abuja, Nigeria.

Dr Touray warned that the developments pose a direct threat to the region’s stability and democratic consolidation.

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“These recent events underscore the urgent need to reflect on the future of our democracy and to strengthen the security of our community,” he stated.

The emergency declaration comes on the back of a troubling wave of unconstitutional takeovers in parts of West Africa.

In the past few years, countries including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Guinea-Bissau have experienced coups or attempted coups, while security agencies in Benin and other states have also reported foiled mutinies.

ECOWAS has faced increasing difficulty managing security crises, especially as several member states have already experienced coups or transitions led by military juntas in the past few years.

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The state of emergency is expected to trigger enhanced coordination among member states, more robust security monitoring, and accelerated interventions aimed at safeguarding democratic institutions in the sub-region.

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