By Omoniyi David
ECOWAS heads of state and government have condemned the rising wave of military coups and insecurity across West Africa, pledging a united front to uphold democracy and regional stability.
The declaration came at the 68th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority, held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.
Leaders agreed to shift from reactive sanctions to proactive military and diplomatic measures to prevent unconstitutional takeovers and tackle terrorism collectively.
The bloc highlighted the swift response that thwarted an attempted coup in Benin on December 7, 2025, where Nigerian forces supported loyalist troops to restore order.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, emphasized that challenges such as coups, terrorism, organized crime, cyber insecurity, climate shocks, and food insecurity cross borders and require collective action.
He stressed that ECOWAS unity must be maintained despite internal disagreements, warning that divisions weaken the region’s resilience.
ECOWAS Chair, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, praised Nigeria’s leadership in hosting the summit and supporting regional stability, describing it as a model for strengthened cooperation among member states.
The summit underscored the bloc’s commitment to solidarity, pre-emptive action, and shared responsibility in addressing West Africa’s security and governance challenges.
