JUST IN: ECOWAS declares regional state of emergency amid escalating security threats

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has declared a state of emergency across the sub-region following a surge in security threats and political instability.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, during the 55th Session of the Mediation and Security Council at ministerial level, held in Abuja.

Touray noted that the extraordinary meeting became necessary in light of successive coups, attempted mutinies and widening insecurity in member states. According to him, the troubling developments reflect “the imperative of serious introspection on the future of our democracy and the urgent need to invest in the security of our community.”

The declaration signals a heightened regional response as ECOWAS governments confront a rapidly deteriorating security landscape, from violent extremism in the Sahel to political upheavals in coastal states.

More details are expected as the Commission outlines its next steps in stabilising the region.