State of emergency declared across West Africa

News Update

ECOWAS has placed the entire West African region under a state of emergency following fresh unrest linked to recent coups and failed mutinies.

The announcement came in Abuja during the 55th session of the Mediation and Security Council at the ministerial level.

The meeting, held on December 9, 2025, brought together officials who reviewed the rising tension across member states.

During the session, the ECOWAS Commission President, Omar Touray, explained that the growing wave of political disorder shows the need for deep thought on the direction of democracy in the region.

He also stated that member countries must put more effort into protecting their communities and preventing further breakdown of order.

The emergency call follows a rise in instability, including a failed coup attempt in Benin a few days before the Abuja meeting.