ECOWAS declares a state of emergency within the West African sub region

President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, declared a state of emergency during the 55th session of the Mediation and Security Council at ministerial level in Abuja on Tuesday, 9 December.

The declaration follows a growing threat of coups in the sub-region, which he says could affect the democracy of the entire region.

Recently, some countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Guinea-Bissau, have experienced coups or attempted coups, while security agencies in Benin and other states have also reported foiled mutinies.

Officials say Tuesday’s meeting was convened to assess the growing threats — ranging from military interventions to violent extremism, and to consider measures that can help stabilise the region.

ECOWAS has faced criticism in recent months, particularly after Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger announced their withdrawal from the bloc earlier this year.