ECOWAS Ministers Warn Of Rising Threats, Urge Stronger Regional Unity

The Chair of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers and Sierra Leone’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Timothy Kabba, has urged West African nations to renew their commitment to democracy, peace, and regional stability amid escalating political and security threats.

Kabba made the call on Wednesday in Abuja while closing the two-day 55th Session of the Mediation and Security Council at the ministerial level. He said the meetings involved “intensive deliberations” on the political, democratic, and security situation of the region.

He cautioned that West Africa is increasingly exposed to global geopolitical tensions, noting that “ageing powers, vintage ones, and emerging ones are all beating their ways to the African continent” in a rapidly shifting multipolar world.

Kabba reflected on Africa’s long history of external pressure and warned that the continent now faces new vulnerabilities, particularly in the technological age. He said artificial intelligence could deepen inequalities, adding that Africa remains “at the tail end of technology.”

He also identified climate change as a growing driver of insecurity, describing climate-induced farming crises as “even more devastating” than long-standing challenges such as poverty and disease.

Despite global concerns over weakening multilateral institutions, Kabba said ECOWAS remains a strong symbol of shared culture and identity. He stressed the need to defend democracy, saying recent coups and attempted coups reflect failures in governance that leave citizens disillusioned.

Referencing the December 7, 2025 attempt to “subvert constitutional order” in Benin Republic, he said the incident reinforced ECOWAS’ zero-tolerance stance on unconstitutional takeovers. He added that leaders were committed to restoring constitutional rule in Guinea-Bissau and preventing further coups in the region.

Responding to criticism that ECOWAS prioritises politics and security over development, Kabba insisted that “without peace, security and stability, there will be no development,” arguing that stability is the necessary foundation for progress.

He commended the commitment shown by member states during the meeting and called for stronger cooperation, trust, and confidence-building. He also highlighted regional integration as a major achievement, particularly the ease of movement across borders.

At the opening ceremony on Tuesday, ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray warned that it was “safe to declare a state of emergency” in the region, citing widespread instability.

West Africa is grappling with multiple crises, including military governments in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, ongoing political uncertainty in Guinea-Bissau, and a recently foiled coup attempt in Benin Republic.