ECOWAS Declares Regional State of Emergency as Coups and Insecurity Surge Across West Africa
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, declared a Regional State of Emergency following escalating political instability, attempted coups and worsening insecurity across several member States.
The declaration was issued during the 55th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, who delivered the communiqué, described the current situation as the most precarious moment for the region in decades. He said West Africa is now grappling with “a disturbing and unprecedented rise in unconstitutional changes of Government,” alongside intensified extremist violence.
Touray noted that the convergence of armed rebellions, mutinies, cross-border criminal activities and political upheavals has “pushed the community into a state of emergency that cannot be ignored.”
Recent Triggers and Security Breakdown
The decision follows a string of destabilising events, including the failed coup attempt in Benin Republic on December 7, 2025, where mutinous soldiers launched coordinated attacks on strategic state institutions before being overpowered by loyal forces.
In Guinea-Bissau, political tension escalated earlier in December after security forces disrupted electoral processes, forcing authorities to halt election preparations. This came on the heels of earlier instability that shook the country’s political leadership.
ECOWAS also expressed concern over worsening security conditions in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, where insurgent groups continue to expand their operations amid ongoing political transitions following earlier coups.
“These events are not isolated,” Touray said. “They form a pattern of disruption threatening the stability and democratic foundations of our region.”
Emergency Measures Announced
In response, the regional bloc is activating enhanced standby security arrangements. Touray confirmed that the ECOWAS Standby Force will be placed on higher alert for rapid deployment to any member state facing a breakdown of constitutional order.
He also announced intensified intelligence-sharing and joint security operations to curb terrorism, arms trafficking and organised crime across West Africa’s borders.
Additionally, ECOWAS plans to increase the frequency of mediation and peacekeeping engagements throughout 2026, ensuring early interventions in politically tense nations.
The bloc will also reinforce monitoring mechanisms to safeguard upcoming elections in Cape Verde, Benin, The Gambia and Guinea in 2026, aiming to prevent interference by armed groups or political saboteurs.
Regional and Global Implications
Diplomatic observers say the declaration underscores ECOWAS’s growing alarm over the erosion of democratic norms in the region. International partners, including the African Union and the United Nations, are expected to support stabilisation efforts as West Africa enters a sensitive period.
Analysts warn that the coming months will be critical for preventing further coups, restoring political order and preserving electoral integrity in vulnerable States.
ECOWAS is expected to issue an expanded implementation framework for the emergency measures in the coming days.
