Tag: Ecowas

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.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday condemned an alleged attempt by soldiers in Benin Republic to remove President Patrice Talon from office.
The condemnation followed reports of confusion and gunfire in parts of Cotonou after a group of soldiers claiming to be the “Military Committee for Refoundation” announced on state television that they had removed the president.
In a statement issued in Abuja, ECOWAS said it received “with consternation” reports of an attempted military takeover, describing it as an unconstitutional act that undermines the will of the people.
It called for full respect of Benin’s Constitution and commended national security forces for efforts to restore calm.
The bloc warned that those behind the plot would be held individually and collectively responsible for any loss of life or property.
ECOWAS also signalled readiness to intervene if necessary, saying it would support the government and people of Benin “in all forms necessary, including the deployment of the regional standby force” to defend constitutional order and the country’s territorial integrity.
Earlier, Talon’s office dismissed the soldiers’ announcement, insisting the president was safe and that loyalist forces were regaining control.
The French embassy also reported disturbances near Camp Guezo in Cotonou and advised its nationals to remain indoors.
The incident adds to tensions in a region that has recorded several coups in recent years, including in Niger, Burkina Faso, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Benin, once regarded as one of West Africa’s most stable democracies, has experienced previous coups. Talon, 67, has governed since 2016 and is expected to leave office in April at the end of his second constitutionally allowed term.