The Economic Community of West African States has declared a state of emergency across the region, citing a sharp rise in political crises, attempted coups, insecurity, and humanitarian pressures threatening the stability of member states.
The announcement was made during a ministerial session of the Mediation and Security Council in Abuja, where senior officials reviewed recent developments and risk assessments from across the sub-region. The Commission’s leadership warned that West Africa is facing an unprecedented convergence of threats requiring urgent, coordinated action.
According to the briefing presented to ministers and diplomats, most member states are currently rated as high-risk, with growing evidence of democratic backsliding, electoral tensions, and deteriorating security conditions. Persistent military interventions, stalled political transitions, and the widening influence of armed groups were identified as key drivers of instability. Recent events in Guinea-Bissau and the attempted coup in Benin were highlighted as reminders of the fragility of governance structures.
Officials also raised concerns about rising humanitarian needs, with millions of people displaced across the region as a result of conflict and insecurity. The largest displaced populations remain in countries already battling armed violence and internal upheaval.
The Commission called for more frequent meetings of the Mediation and Security Council over the coming year, stressing that terrorism, banditry and cross-border criminal networks now operate without regard for national boundaries. Member states were urged to commit to stronger cooperation, uphold constitutional order, and reinforce mechanisms that protect democratic governance.
Representatives from several countries echoed these concerns, emphasising that citizens expect practical solutions rather than repeated statements of intent. They urged ECOWAS to adopt firm decisions capable of restoring confidence in regional institutions and preventing further deterioration.
