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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has declared a state of emergency in the region.
According to a report by The Cable News, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, made this known on Tuesday during the 55th session of the mediation and security council at the ministerial level in Abuja.
Touray stated that the developments highlight the “imperative of serious introspection on the future of our democracy and the urgent need to invest in the security of our community”.
Following the foiled coup in Benin Republic on Sunday and the response of the Nigerian Government sending the Nigerian Air Force(NAF) to restore order, which, according to the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, was based on requests from the Benin government, coupled with further accusations by the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), against Nigeria violating its airspace.
“Faced with this situation, Excellencies, it is safe to declare that our community is in a state of emergency,” He stated.
Touray pointed to elections as a major trigger of instability in the region, adding that resources must be pulled together to confront the threats of terrorism and banditry, which operate without respect for territorial boundaries.
Touray has tasked the council with maintaining unity within ECOWAS amid geopolitical pressures.
