By Enyichukwu Enemanna
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has declared a regional state of emergency, citing escalating political instability and security threats across nations in the West
At the 55th session of the Mediation and Security Council at the ministerial level in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital on Tuesday, the President of ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray said the worsening situation in the sub-region demands urgent attention and collective action.
The recent developments highlight the “imperative of serious introspection on the future of our democracy and the urgent need to invest in the security of our community,” Touray stated.
The state of emergency declaration comes amidst rising spate of military takeover in several states in the West African sub-region.
In recent years, countries including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Guinea-Bissau have experienced coups.
Just on Sunday, security agencies in Benin foiled an attempt to oust democratically elected government through a military coup.
ECOWAS officials said the Tuesday’s meeting was convened to assess the growing threats, including military interventions and violent extremism and to consider measures that can help stabilise the region.
ECOWAS has faced criticism in recent months, particularly after Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger announced their withdrawal from the bloc earlier this year.
