The emergency declaration comes amid growing concerns over political tensions, military takeovers, and deteriorating security conditions in several West African states.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has declared a state of emergency across the region, citing escalating political instability marked by a wave of coups and attempted mutinies in recent months.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by the president of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, during the 55th session of the Mediation and Security Council at the ministerial level, held in Abuja.
Touray said the extraordinary step became necessary as the sub-region faces “unprecedented security and political threats,” underscoring that immediate collective action is needed to safeguard democracy and stability.
“The situation requires a coordinated and urgent response. Our region is confronting a disturbing resurgence of coups and attempted mutinies that challenge our collective commitment to constitutional order,” he told delegates at the high-level meeting.
The emergency declaration comes amid growing concerns over political tensions, military takeovers, and deteriorating security conditions in several West African states.
ECOWAS ministers and security chiefs convened to assess the situation and explore measures to strengthen regional cooperation.
Touray emphasised that ECOWAS remains committed to restoring stability through diplomatic engagement, sanctions where necessary, and reinforcement of regional security mechanisms.
Further details on the operational implications of the state of emergency are expected to follow deliberations of the council.