The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially declared a region-wide state of emergency. This significant announcement was made on Tuesday in Abuja during the 55th Session of the Mediation and Security Council at the ministerial level.
Omar Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, cautioned that the current climate requires immediate and unified action, citing a rise in political instability, security threats, and humanitarian crises.
West Africa Rated “High Risk”
Addressing diplomats and ministers, Touray revealed that a security and political review of member states has resulted in the region being classified as “high risk.” He emphasized the need for deep reflection to protect democratic institutions and citizens.
He said the region must confront the:
“imperative of serious introspection”
He highlighted several alarming trends, including stalled political transitions, shrinking electoral participation, and the:
“persistence of military interventions”
Touray noted that recent events in Guinea-Bissau and the Republic of Benin are proof that democratic progress in the region remains precarious.
Elections and Security Threats
The Commission President warned that elections are increasingly becoming triggers for instability. He also pointed to the dangers of terrorism, cross-border crime, and external geopolitical pressures that threaten regional unity.
Describing the circumstances as unprecedented, he stated:
“Faced with this situation, Excellencies, it is safe to declare that our community is in a state of emergency.”
Call for Resource Pooling and Frequent Meetings
Touray recommended that the Mediation and Security Council meet more frequently over the coming year. He urged member states to:
“pool our resources”
This collaboration is intended to combat terrorists, armed groups, and bandits operating across borders. Priority areas identified include managing the crisis in Guinea-Bissau, monitoring political transitions, and addressing political exclusion.
Worsening Humanitarian Crisis
Touray presented new figures from the UNHCR indicating that 7.6 million people are forcibly displaced across West Africa. The highest numbers are found in Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali.
He asserted that ECOWAS must:
“take decisions and actions that will reverse this trend.”
Commitment to Peace
Touray pledged that the regional body remains dedicated to stability, urging members to uphold constitutional norms.
He stated:
“Let me assure our community citizens that we will not rest on our oars,”
Sierra Leone Demands Firm Action
Timothy Kabba, Sierra Leone’s Foreign Affairs Minister and Chair of the Council, called for decisive measures to safeguard democracy. He pointed to recent upheavals as evidence of structural weaknesses in the region.
He remarked:
“The recent coup in Guinea-Bissau and the attempted coup in the Benin Republic are sobering reminders of the fragility of our democratic gains,”
Kabba mentioned that he led a delegation to Guinea-Bissau on December 1 to engage with military and political factions, a move he believes helped de-escalate tensions.
He noted that ECOWAS:
“cannot and will not accept” actions that threaten peace.
Public Patience Wearing Thin
Kabba urged the ministers to produce concrete results, noting that the citizens of West Africa:
“no longer have patience for commitments that remain unfulfilled.”
Regional Context
The region is currently under immense strain, with military regimes in power in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Guinea-Bissau has recently joined this list, and a coup attempt in Benin on Sunday has further highlighted the deepening crisis.