The Economic Community of West African States declared a regional state of emergency on Tuesday as coups and mutinies swept parts of the bloc, its leaders said at a meeting in Abuja.
The decision came after recent unrest in several countries, including a failed coup attempt in Benin and a military takeover in Guinea-Bissau, adding to a string of seizures in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Guinea that have shaken the region since 2020.
The meeting also discussed growing terrorist threats in the Sahel and the impact of instability on trade and daily life.
ECOWAS leaders warned they will use the bloc’s tools — including the standby force — to protect democratic governments and restore constitutional order where needed.
The regional body condemned attempts to remove elected leaders by force and urged all parties to respect national constitutions and avoid violence.
The emergency declaration signals a tougher stance after years of military takeovers and the creation of a rival group, the Alliance of Sahel States, by some breakaway governments.
ECOWAS leaders said they would step up diplomatic pressure, prepare regional security responses, and coordinate with international partners to limit the spread of coups and extremist violence.
It remains to be seen whether ECOWAS will deploy its standby force to troubled capitals, impose sanctions on coup leaders, and how member governments will respond to a call for collective action to protect democracy and peace across West Africa.
