Follow us for more on
ECOWAS declares state of emergency in West Africa
ECOWAS Declares Regional State of Emergency as Instability Deepens Across West Africa
The Economic Community of West African States has officially declared a state of emergency across the region, signalling growing alarm over escalating political instability, frequent coups, rising insecurity and widespread humanitarian crises. This announcement was made by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, during the 55th Session of the Mediation and Security Council at ministerial level held in Abuja.
Touray warned that recent developments demand “serious introspection” and urgent action, noting that West Africa’s democratic stability is under severe threat. According to www.cjsoftflix.com findings, the region has reached a critical point requiring collective intervention.
ECOWAS Rates Region as ‘High Risk’
Touray revealed that country-by-country assessments presented to ministers show that most ECOWAS member states fall under a “high risk” category. This rating is based on multiple indicators including political instability, military interventions, electoral tensions and the spread of terrorism.
He highlighted several key risk factors:
- Persistent military interventions such as in Guinea-Bissau and the recent attempted coup in the Republic of Benin
- Non-compliance with transition timelines, especially in Guinea
- Erosion of electoral inclusivity across several member states
- Growing influence of terrorists, armed groups and criminal networks
- Increased geopolitical pressure affecting regional diplomacy and unity
Touray noted that elections have now become a major trigger for conflict, intensifying fragility within several nations.
ECOWAS Declares: “Our Community Is in a State of Emergency”
Given the current threats, Touray declared that West Africa has reached an unprecedented crisis point.
He stressed the need for more frequent meetings of the Mediation and Security Council in 2025 to ensure continuous oversight, especially concerning:
- The escalating crisis in Guinea-Bissau
- Political transitions in military-led countries
- Rising political exclusion
- Regional unity amid external political pressures
Touray also drew attention to worsening humanitarian conditions across West Africa. Based on recent UNHCR data, he disclosed that as of October 2025, 7.6 million individuals are forcibly displaced across the region. Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali host the largest populations of internally displaced people.
ECOWAS Reaffirms Commitment to Citizens
Despite the alarming situation, Touray assured citizens that ECOWAS remains committed to restoring peace, stability and constitutional order. He urged all member states to uphold democratic principles and work collectively to reverse current trends.
He also welcomed newly appointed ministers, including Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Rtd. General Christopher Musa, and Cabo Verde’s Foreign Affairs Minister, José Luis Livramento.
Sierra Leone Urges Decisive Action
In his remarks, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the Council of Ministers, Timothy Kabba, emphasized the fragility of democracy in West Africa. He pointed to recent coups and attempted coups in Guinea-Bissau and Benin as evidence that democratic gains are under severe threat.
Kabba disclosed that Sierra Leone recently led a high-level diplomatic mission to Guinea-Bissau to ease tensions and facilitate dialogue, reflecting ECOWAS’s collective commitment to conflict resolution.
He urged ECOWAS leaders to take bold steps, stating that West Africans have lost patience for empty promises and expect “seriousness, unity and purpose” from their leaders.
Regional Leaders to Meet as Crisis Worsens
The Mediation and Security Council’s meeting precedes the gathering of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, who are expected to deliberate on strategies to restore order amid mounting threats.
West Africa continues to face escalating instability, with several countries — including Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau and Benin — struggling with coups, attempted coups and fragile political transitions.
These developments underscore the urgent need for a coordinated regional response to preserve democracy, protect citizens and strengthen security across the West African region, as reported by www.cjsoftflix.com .
Comment Section