West Africa faces a new era of political turbulence as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.
The announcement came from ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray during the 55th session of the Mediation and Security Council in Abuja, stressing the “urgent need to safeguard democracy and bolster regional security.”
The declaration follows a troubling series of coups and failed military mutinies across the region, including a recent attempted coup in Benin that rattled the government and heightened fears of instability.
ECOWAS leaders warned that the string of violent disruptions threatens the sub-region’s democratic foundations, calling for coordinated action to protect citizens and uphold constitutional governance.
