9.12.2025
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said Tuesday enough is enough of coup d’états in the region and has “declared a state of emergency.”
ECOWAS Commission president Omar Touray noted during 55th session of the Mediation and Security Council, held at the ministerial level in Abuja, Nigeria that the future of democracy in Africa is at stake following the series of coups in the region.
“Events of the last few weeks have shown the imperative of serious introspection on the future of our democracy and the urgent need to invest in the security of our community.
“As you would have seen in the memoranda before you, the country-by-country analyses of our member states show different risk levels across our community, from high to medium, with an average of high risk, thereby demanding immediate and concerted action.
“The risk factors are the persistence of military interventions (Guinea-Bissau and the Republic of Benin just days ago); non-compliance with transition norms in Guinea, where we face a military leader turning civilian; growing erosion of electoral inclusivity across multiple states; expanding influence of terrorists, armed groups and criminal networks; and increasing geopolitical pressures affecting member states’ diplomacy and cohesion,” he explained.
Among the most troubling trends, Touray underscored that “elections have become a major trigger of instability in our community.”
Calling the moment unprecedented, he warned, “Faced with this situation, Excellencies, it is safe to declare that our community is in a state of emergency.”