ECOWAS Reaffirms Zero Tolerance for Coups, Warns Against Democratic Reversals

By Naija Enquirer Staff

ECOWAS has restated its hard-line position against military takeovers, declaring that unconstitutional seizures of power will no longer be tolerated in West Africa. The warning was issued at the end of the bloc’s 55th Ordinary Session of the Mediation and Security Council held in Abuja.

Renewed Warning After Attempted Disruption in Benin

Chair of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers and Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister, Timothy Kabba, said the attempted subversion of constitutional order in Benin on December 7 had reinforced the need for stronger action. He noted that the incident exposed lingering weaknesses in governance structures across the region.

Kabba stressed that ECOWAS leaders were fully aligned in preventing a resurgence of coups, describing democratic reversals as a major threat amid ongoing economic and security challenges.

Call for Stronger Governance and Stability

The minister attributed the rise in coups to weak institutions and political instability within member states. He urged governments to deepen reforms that uphold the rule of law, protect civil liberties, and prioritize citizen-driven governance.

According to Kabba, sustainable peace and development depend heavily on accountable leadership and credible democratic processes.

Commendation for Regional Cooperation

Kabba praised Nigeria for hosting the session and acknowledged member states for their continued commitment to regional security and integration. He emphasized that only through collective action can West Africa safeguard its democratic progress and counter shared threats.