ECOWAS declares State of Emergency on West Africa

The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has declared a state of emergency across the region

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

The meeting was called following a wave of coups, attempted coups, and military unrest in several West African countries.

Touray said the situation underscores the need for deep reflection on the direction of democracy in the region and the urgency of strengthening regional security.

He noted that recent events have shown the “imperative of serious introspection on the future of our democracy and the urgent need to invest in the security of our community.”