Leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have resolved to adopt a more proactive and united approach to ending the wave of military coups, terrorism and insecurity threatening stability across the sub-region.
The resolution was reached in Abuja during the 68th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, hosted by Nigeria, against the backdrop of recent unconstitutional changes of government and security challenges in parts of West Africa.
Immediate past Chairman of the Authority and President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside the current Chairman, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, and President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, stressed that collective action and regional solidarity are indispensable to halting coups and violent extremism.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the special debate on the future of the Community, President Tinubu identified incessant coups, transnational organised crime, arms proliferation, cyber insecurity, climate shocks, food insecurity and irregular migration as cross-border threats that no single country can tackle alone. He urged member states to act with shared resolve, noting that West Africa’s security and prosperity are indivisible.
President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the ideals of ECOWAS, describing the country’s role as one rooted in fraternity rather than force. He warned that internal divisions pose a greater danger to the bloc than external threats, emphasizing that trust among member states remains the foundation of regional strength.
He commended ECOWAS countries for their collective efforts in restoring stability, including the swift regional response that halted an attempted coup in the Republic of Benin on December 7, 2025.
In his remarks, President Bio praised Nigeria for hosting the summit and for its leadership role in safeguarding constitutional order within the region. He described the 68th session as a defining moment for ECOWAS and disclosed that, from January 2026, member states will implement measures to significantly reduce the cost of air travel across West Africa, including the removal of air transport taxes.
President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Touray, said recent developments in Benin Republic and Guinea-Bissau demonstrated the effectiveness of regional solidarity when leaders act swiftly and decisively. He also announced that Africa’s foremost industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has accepted to serve as Chairman of the ECOWAS Business Council, a move aimed at strengthening private sector engagement in regional development.
The African Union also expressed concern over recent coup attempts in the region. Represented by the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, the AU described such developments as unacceptable and called for sustained coordination to promote democracy and stability in West Africa.