JUST IN: ECOWAS Declares State of Emergency Across West Africa Amid Wave of Coups

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has declared a state of emergency across the region in response to a series of coups and attempted mutinies.

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

Touray said the recent unrest highlights the urgent need for reflection on the future of democracy in the region and for increased investment in regional security.

He emphasised that the developments underscore “the imperative of serious introspection on the future of our democracy and the urgent need to invest in the security of our community.”