Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have pledged a united and proactive front to curb military coups, terrorism, and other forms of insecurity across the region.
The decision was reached in Abuja on Sunday during the 68th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS leaders, following a string of military takeovers in the Sahel. The bloc has signalled a shift from reactive sanctions to preemptive military and diplomatic intervention.
A key demonstration of this approach was the rapid response to the December 7, 2025 coup attempt in the Republic of Benin. Within hours of soldiers seizing the national broadcaster in Cotonou, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deployed Nigerian fighter jets and ground troops to support loyalist forces.
Speaking at the session, tagged “Special Debate on the Future of the Community,” President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, highlighted the region’s security challenges, including coups, transnational crime, arms proliferation, cyber insecurity, climate shocks, food insecurity, and irregular migration. He emphasised that no single member state, regardless of size, can guarantee stability in isolation.
“Excellencies, the external threats confronting West Africa today demand nothing less than a united front. Terrorism, violent extremism, unconstitutional changes of government, transnational organised crime, arms proliferation, cyber insecurity, climate shocks, food insecurity, and irregular migration recognise no borders,” Tinubu said.
The Nigerian leader reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to ECOWAS ideals, describing the country’s actions as evidence that the region’s unity is foundational and not transactional. He called for fraternity over force and warned that internal divisions could weaken collective strength.
President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, current Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, commended Nigeria’s leadership, especially its swift intervention in Benin. He described the session as a defining moment for ECOWAS and announced plans to reduce air travel costs across West Africa starting January 2026 by abolishing certain taxes.
Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, acknowledged support from international partners and highlighted the importance of regional solidarity in addressing recent instability, including the events in Guinea-Bissau and Benin.
In a major private sector development, Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, was announced as Chairman of the ECOWAS Business Council, a platform aimed at fostering dialogue between governments and the private sector for regional development.
Represented by AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, the African Union Chairperson praised ECOWAS’ swift actions and stressed the need for continued coordination to advance democracy and stability in the region.
