The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has declared a regional state of emergency following a surge in military coups and attempted power grabs that have destabilised several countries across West Africa in recent years.

ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray announced the decision during the 55th Ordinary Session of the Mediation and Security Council at ministerial level, held in Abuja on December 9, 2025.

He described the persistent recurrence of unconstitutional changes of government as a grave threat to peace and democratic governance in the region.

Touray urged member states to undertake “deep reflection on the future of democracy in our sub-region” and to increase investment in collective security mechanisms to stem the rising tide of political instability.

The emergency declaration comes days after security forces in Benin foiled an attempted coup, adding to a string of crises that have included military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Niger since 2020, alongside sporadic unrest in other member states.

As part of the growing regional response, President Bola Tinubu has sought Senate approval to deploy Nigerian troops to Benin Republic on a peace support mission. In his letter to the upper chamber, Tinubu said the request followed an appeal from President Patrice Talon for assistance in stabilising the country after the failed coup attempt.

The president explained that the proposed deployment is consistent with ECOWAS security protocols and aligns with Section 30(5) of the Nigerian Constitution, which requires consultation with the National Defence Council before such action. The Senate has referred the request to the Committee of the Whole for urgent consideration.

Nigeria had earlier provided air support to Benin in the aftermath of the attempted power grab.

Meanwhile, ECOWAS leaders are expected to convene an extraordinary summit in the coming weeks to adopt concrete measures under the newly declared emergency framework. The agenda may include strengthened sanctions, possible deployment of standby forces, and accelerated reforms to the bloc’s Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.