ECOWAS Unites: West African Leaders Vow Forceful Action Against Coups and Insecurity
In a decisive move to stabilize the region, Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have agreed to forge a proactive and forceful united front against the rising tide of military coups, terrorism, and transnational insecurity. The commitment was formalized during the 68th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS leaders held in Abuja on Sunday. This shift signals the bloc’s transition from reactive sanctions to preemptive military and diplomatic intervention, aiming to halt the spread of instability that has plagued the Sahel and other parts of West Africa.
The immediate efficacy of this united resolve was demonstrated just a week earlier. Following an attempted coup in the Republic of Benin on December 7, 2025, former ECOWAS Chairman, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, swiftly deployed Nigerian fighter jets and ground troops. This rapid response within hours of the soldiers seizing the national broadcaster in Cotonou successfully supported loyalist forces and helped secure the constitutional order, earning commendation from current Chairman, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, and ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray.
Speaking at the session, President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, stressed that external threats facing West Africa including terrorism, transnational organised crime, and unconstitutional changes of government”recognise no borders.” He reiterated Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to collective action, asserting that “Our security, prosperity, and resilience are indivisible. We must sit at the same table, speak with one voice, and act with shared resolve” to tackle crises like arms proliferation, cyber insecurity, climate shocks, and food insecurity collectively.
Beyond security, the regional bloc adopted measures to boost economic integration and reduce the cost of living. President Bio announced a landmark agreement to implement measures to reduce the cost of air travel across West Africa starting in January 2026, which includes the abolition of air transport taxes by member states. Furthermore, Dr. Touray confirmed that Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has accepted the role of Chairman of the ECOWAS Business Council, a key platform designed to foster dialogue between the private sector and governments to drive regional development.
The 68th Ordinary Session, described by President Bio as a “defining moment,” underscored that unity and fraternity, not force or internal divisions, must define the future of ECOWAS. As West Africa looks to overcome internal disagreements that have shaken its foundation, the collective decisions taken from military solidarity and counter-coup measures to economic policy and private sector engagement mark a significant step toward achieving enduring stability and prosperity for its over 400 million citizens.
