Yesterday, 9th December, ECOWAS declared a state of emergency as political instability intensifies across the subregion, following a series of military interventions and attempted coups.
Addressing a ministerial meeting in Abuja, ECOWAS Commission President Oumar Touray warned that recent events demand sober reflection on the future of democracy and stronger investment in regional security.
His remarks come on the heels of a coup attempt in Benin and a successful takeover in Guinea-Bissau, developments he said highlight elections as a growing catalyst for unrest.
Touray identified a number of escalating risks, including non-compliance with transition frameworks in Guinea, weakening electoral inclusivity, the expanding reach of terrorist and criminal networks, and increased geopolitical pressures straining member states’ unity. He called for more frequent engagements among regional leaders and urged member countries to consolidate resources to confront terrorism and banditry, which continue to operate seamlessly across borders.