The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Tuesday declared a state of emergency across the sub-region in response to the rising wave of coups, attempted mutinies and political instability in member states.

The declaration was made by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, at the 55th Session of the Mediation and Security Council at ministerial level held in Abuja.

Touray said the meeting was convened to address the growing threats to constitutional order, noting that recent developments had raised fresh concerns about the region’s democratic future.

According to him, the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government underscored the “imperative of serious introspection on the future of our democracy and the urgent need to invest in the security of our community.”

He said the decision to declare a state of emergency was part of ECOWAS’ broader efforts to strengthen its collective security framework, enhance crisis-response mechanisms and support member states experiencing political disruptions.

Touray also emphasised the need for coordinated regional action, stressing that instability in any member country poses significant risks to the entire community.

The ministerial session brought together defence, foreign affairs and security chiefs from across West Africa to review the security situation, assess threats and proffer immediate and long-term interventions.

According to reports that the sub-region has in recent years recorded multiple coups, attempted takeovers and political tensions, particularly in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Guinea, prompting calls for renewed commitment to democratic governance.

Details of the emergency measures approved by the council are expected to be released at the end of the meeting.