A sweeping state of emergency has been declared across West Africa as ECOWAS confronts a rising wave of military coups and attempted mutinies threatening political stability in the region.
The announcement came from the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, during the 55th session of the Mediation and Security Council at ministerial level, held on Tuesday in Abuja.
Touray told ministers that the succession of unconstitutional power grabs had placed the region at a dangerous crossroads, warning that the situation demands urgent and coordinated action from member states.
He noted that the instability gripping parts of West Africa underscores what he described as the “imperative of serious introspection on the future of our democracy,” insisting that governments must recommit to protecting constitutional order.
The ECOWAS chief also stressed the need to deepen security cooperation, saying the region must “urgently invest in the security of our community” if it hopes to curb the expanding threat of armed uprisings.
The extraordinary meeting was convened as concerns grow over the ripple effects of failed mutinies and attempted coups, which have stirred anxiety among political leaders and civilians alike.
Further details on the scope and enforcement of the regional emergency are expected from ECOWAS in the coming hours.
