ECOWAS Declares Regional State of Emergency After Surge in Coups and Mutinies

December 9, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has declared a state of emergency across the region following a recent surge in coups, attempted takeovers and mutinies, including a foiled plot in Benin Republic.

The ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, announced the decision during a council session held in Abuja. He said the growing number of unconstitutional changes of government has become a major threat to regional stability and requires immediate action.

Touray noted that the situation reflects a worrying decline in democratic governance across several member states. He added that the state of emergency will enable the bloc to review its security strategies, strengthen early-warning systems and enhance cooperation among member states.

According to him, ECOWAS will increase investment in regional security operations and intensify diplomatic engagements aimed at restoring constitutional order in affected countries. He also stressed the need for member states to address underlying issues such as weak institutions and rising insecurity, which he said often create conditions for military intervention.

The declaration follows a series of political disturbances in the region, including the failed mutiny in Benin and ongoing instability in some Sahel countries. Touray reiterated ECOWAS’ commitment to safeguarding democracy and preventing further disruptions to governance across West Africa.