The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has declared a state of emergency across the region following a troubling wave of coups, attempted takeovers, and failed mutinies threatening democratic stability.
The announcement was made on Tuesday 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 warned that the resurgence of unconstitutional seizures of power poses a grave danger to the region’s political future, stressing that the pattern of instability demands “deep reflection on the future of democracy in the sub-region.” He added that ECOWAS must urgently scale up investments in regional security architecture to contain the escalating threats.
The declaration comes amid heightened tensions across West Africa, including a thwarted coup attempt in the Republic of Benin just days earlier, where renegade soldiers briefly took over state television before loyal forces regained control.
ECOWAS officials say the emergency measure is designed to strengthen rapid-response mechanisms, enhance intelligence cooperation, and mobilise member states toward a collective strategy to safeguard democratic governance.
Touray reaffirmed the bloc’s unwavering commitment to constitutional order, stating that West Africa cannot afford to normalize coups or allow recurrent mutinies to undermine decades of democratic progress.
More details are expected as member states deliberate on coordinated security actions in the coming days.