ECOWAS Declares State of Emergency Across West Africa Amid Rising Coups and Failed Mutinies

In an unprecedented move reflecting the heightening instability across the sub-region, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has declared a state of emergency in West Africa. The declaration was announced on Monday by ECOWAS Commission President, Omar Alieu Touray, during the 55th Session of the Mediation and Security Council at the ministerial level, held in Abuja on December 9, 2025.

Touray said the wave of coups, attempted coups, and internal mutinies witnessed in recent months has pushed the region to a critical point, forcing the bloc to adopt emergency measures aimed at safeguarding democratic governance and regional security. The ECOWAS chief stressed that the situation now demands “deep reflection and stronger collective action” to prevent further deterioration.

According to Touray, the decision was influenced by a string of destabilizing events, the most recent being a thwarted coup attempt in Benin, which occurred just days before the Abuja meeting. Intelligence sources within ECOWAS say the attempted putsch involved a faction of security operatives who sought to undermine constitutional order, but were subdued after swift intervention by loyal forces. The Benin incident adds to the growing list of disruptions that have shaken the region since 2020, with military takeovers in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger already forcing ECOWAS to rethink its security and governance strategies.

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Touray noted that while ECOWAS has historically relied on diplomacy, sanctions, mediation, and peacekeeping deployments to maintain stability, the persistence of unconstitutional changes of government now calls for a new, more assertive framework. “We cannot continue on this path of recurring disruptions,” he said. “The region must make greater investments in community security, strengthen democratic institutions, and address the underlying socio-economic tensions fueling discontent.”

According to him, the declaration of a state of emergency is not merely symbolic but marks the beginning of coordinated measures that will involve member states, security agencies, civil society, and regional development partners. These measures will include enhanced intelligence sharing, rapid response mechanisms, strengthened border controls, and targeted interventions in states considered highly vulnerable to extremist activities or political instability.

The ECOWAS Commission President also disclosed that the bloc will intensify engagement with the military juntas in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger, despite strained relations in recent years. He acknowledged that the withdrawal of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS in early 2024 had undermined regional cohesion, but insisted that dialogue remains the most viable tool for reintegration and long-term peace. “No country in West Africa can overcome these challenges alone. Our destinies are intertwined,” he stated.

Beyond coups and mutinies, Touray drew attention to the rising wave of violent extremism, banditry, and separatist threats sweeping across parts of the sub-region. From the Sahel to the Gulf of Guinea, insurgent groups continue to exploit weak security structures and porous borders, resulting in mass displacement, economic disruptions, and humanitarian crises. He argued that stabilising West Africa requires a holistic approach that addresses governance deficits, youth unemployment, corruption, and inequalities that often trigger social unrest.

Diplomats and security experts present at the Abuja meeting described the emergency declaration as a wake-up call for member states. Many ministers reportedly expressed concern that democratic backsliding is becoming normalized, with military takeovers increasingly justified by economic frustrations, political exclusion, and public disillusionment with elected leaders. They warned that unless structural reforms are implemented, the region could slip into a cycle of instability similar to the turbulent 1990s.

The emergency measures are expected to be further deliberated during upcoming meetings of the Authority of Heads of State and Government. Member states are also expected to adopt new protocols on security cooperation, sanctions enforcement, and early warning systems. There are indications that ECOWAS may seek additional support from the African Union, the United Nations, and international partners to strengthen peacekeeping capabilities, particularly in border zones threatened by extremist networks.

In his closing remarks, Touray urged West African leaders to recommit to the foundational values of ECOWAS, emphasizing democratic governance, peace, and regional solidarity. He called on citizens across the region to remain vigilant, support stability efforts, and resist actors attempting to undermine constitutional rule. “This is not the time for division or complacency,” he said. “The future of our region depends on the choices we make today.”

As West Africa navigates this uncertain terrain, the ECOWAS declaration marks a significant turning point. Whether it succeeds in halting the rising tide of instability will depend on political will, unity, and the capacity of governments to address the deep-rooted challenges confronting the sub-region.