ECOWAS leaders announce a bold move to address turmoil in the region. This decision comes amid recent coups and growing threats.
The Announcement
ECOWAS Commission President, Omar Touray, declares a state of emergency at the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council in Abuja, Nigeria, in the 55th session on December 9, 2025.
Touray ends his statement by emphasizing the need for immediate action in order to safeguard democracy and security. Moreover he insists that there should be a Reflection on the Future of the Region.
Reasons for the Declaration
ECOWAS has listed the following risks that trigger the emergency. State army interventions in Guinea-Bissau and Benin. Another factor is the unorthodox manner in which transitions in Guinea take place, where military members take up political seats.
Insurgents, terrorists and criminal networks increase their presence and influence. Geopolitical tensions put a burden on diplomacy and unity. Additionally the holding of elections leads to instability in the member states in most instances. Touray states that the above issues make a unique environment for the community.
Important Responses & Actions
The leaders call for more frequent meetings of the council in the coming year. They will work together to combat terrorism and banditry. The Foreign Affairs Minister in Sierra Leone, Timothy Kabba, talks about the work they are doing diplomatically, including a delegation to Guinea-Bissau.
Moreover ECOWAS concentrates on the governance of political transitions and addressing the issue of exclusion. The countries are required to adhere to the rules of the constitution to bring stability into the region again.
Implications for West Africa
This disaster brings into focus the instability in the region. Mali, Niger, Guinea-Bissau, and countries in the region face coups and unstable regimes. The humanitarian crisis deepens, and the number of displaced people reaches 7.6 million in October 2025.
Despite the declaration, there is hope in the call for joint action. The aim is to turn back the trends of displacements and enhance unity. Eventually ECOWAS is committed to securing its people and ensuring peace.
