BREAKING: ECOWAS Declares State of Emergency Across West Africa

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has declared a state of emergency in the region, citing a surge in coups, attempted mutinies and escalating insecurity across member states.

The announcement was made on Tuesday in Abuja by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, during the 55th session of the Mediation and Security Council at ministerial level. The meeting was convened in response to recent disruptions threatening democratic stability in the sub-region.

Touray said the situation demands urgent reflection on the future of democracy in West Africa and renewed investment in regional security, noting that the pattern of political upheavals has become a major source of concern

The declaration follows a succession of military takeovers. Last month, soldiers in Guinea-Bissau seized control and suspended the electoral process shortly after a presidential vote. On Sunday, a group of soldiers in Benin Republic announced they had taken over government, prompting Nigeria to deploy its Air Force after what authorities said was a request from Cotonou to restore constitutional order.

The move triggered tensions with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) — a bloc formed by Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso after their withdrawal from ECOWAS. The group accused Nigeria of violating its airspace and warned it had the capacity to “neutralise intruders.”

Touray said the unfolding events show that elections have now become a major trigger of instability in the region. He warned that, despite ECOWAS efforts to strengthen constitutional norms and support credible elections, political practices violating these principles persist. His remarks come as several countries — including Guinea, Benin, Gambia and Cape Verde — prepare for upcoming polls.

He also emphasised the need for ECOWAS to negotiate the terms of security cooperation with the AES, citing the continued spread of terrorist groups along shared borders. Touray urged member states to pool resources and confront the threats of terrorism and banditry, which he said operate without regard for territorial boundaries.

“Faced with this situation, it is safe to declare that our community is in a state of emergency,” he said, calling on the council to preserve unity within ECOWAS amid rising geopolitical pressures.

This is a developing story.