The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has declared a state of emergency across the region in response to a surge in coups, attempted coups, and worsening insecurity.

ECOWAS Commission President, Omar Touray, announced the decision on Tuesday during the 55th Session of the Mediation and Security Council in Abuja.

Touray explained that West Africa is now rated as “high risk” on average, pointing to recent military interventions in Guinea-Bissau and Benin, stalled political transitions in Guinea, rising electoral exclusion, and the growing reach of terrorist and criminal networks. He added that elections have increasingly become flashpoints for unrest, while geopolitical pressures continue to weaken regional unity.

He said, “Events of the last few weeks have shown the imperative of serious introspection on the future of our democracy and the urgent need to invest in the security of our community.

“As you would have seen in the memoranda before you, the country-by-country analyses of our member states show different risk levels, from high to medium, with an overall average of high risk, demanding immediate and concerted action.

“The risk factors include persistent military interventions — with Guinea-Bissau and the Republic of Benin being the latest — non-compliance with transition timelines in Guinea where a military leader is shifting toward civilian rule, the erosion of electoral inclusivity across several states, the expanding influence of terrorists and criminal networks, and increasing geopolitical pressures affecting diplomacy and cohesion among member states.”

Touray called for more frequent meetings of the Mediation and Security Council and emphasised the need for pooled resources to tackle terrorism, banditry, and cross-border crime.

Despite the mounting challenges, he reaffirmed ECOWAS’s commitment to its citizens.

“Let me assure our community citizens that we will not rest on our oars. We will continue to work harder to promote a peaceful, stable and stronger region for the overall benefit of Community citizens,” he said.