The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has threatened to impose sanctions on individuals or groups undermining democratic transition, following recent coup attempts in Guinea-Bissau and Benin.
The warning came at the end of a bi-annual ECOWAS summit held in Abuja, Nigeria, where regional leaders focused heavily on the political instability triggered by the successful military takeover in Guinea-Bissau and a failed putsch in Benin.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, ECOWAS Commission President, Omar Alieu Touray, said the regional bloc would not tolerate actions that obstruct democratic processes.
“The authorities shall impose targeted sanctions on individuals or groups of persons that obstruct the transition process,” Touray said.
ECOWAS Authorises Protection for Guinea-Bissau Leaders
Touray also disclosed that the ECOWAS peacekeeping force deployed in Guinea-Bissau since 2022 remains fully authorised to protect political leaders and national institutions in the country.
He explained that the mandate reflects ECOWAS’s concern over Guinea-Bissau’s long history of political instability and repeated coup attempts.
The bloc condemned both the Guinea-Bissau takeover and the failed coup in Benin, stressing that unconstitutional changes of government threaten regional stability.
Military Support Following Benin Coup Attempt
Following the failed coup in Benin, Nigeria deployed fighter jets and troops to support the civilian government. Côte d’Ivoire also sent soldiers, while ECOWAS confirmed that additional forces from Ghana and Sierra Leone were on standby.
ECOWAS has struggled to contain a wave of military takeovers across the region. Between 2020 and 2023, coups occurred in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Niger, all of which remain under military rule.
Guinea Elections, Sahel Security on Agenda
Although ECOWAS scheduled the Abuja summit before the latest coup attempts, leaders placed them at the centre of discussions. The December 28 presidential elections in Guinea also featured prominently.
Despite concerns over the exclusion of opposition figures, Touray said ECOWAS considered the elections “significant progress” in the country’s transition.
When asked about credibility, he said, “We hope that the elections will be credible, transparent and fair.”
Leaders also discussed worsening insecurity in the Sahel, where jihadist insurgencies continue in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The three junta-led states have withdrawn from ECOWAS and formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio, who currently chairs ECOWAS, warned that regional borders offer no protection from spreading violence.
“No border can insulate us from violence,” Bio said.
Presidents of Guinea and Guinea-Bissau did not attend the summit due to their suspension from ECOWAS. President Bola Tinubu also stayed away and was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
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