Abuja: ECOWAS Heads of State and Government have agreed to forge a united front to end the spread of military coups across West Africa. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that leaders also resolved to curb terrorism and other forms of insecurity threatening the region.
The decision was taken in Abuja during the 68th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority, following repeated military takeovers in the Sahel. President Bola Tinubu stated that incessant coups, organized crime, arms proliferation, and cyber insecurity are regional crises requiring collective action. “These forms of criminality have no respect for borders,” Tinubu told fellow leaders at the Nigeria-hosted summit.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, President Tinubu acknowledged disagreements among member states but emphasized that differences did not erase shared identity or collective responsibility. “External threats confronting West Africa today demand nothing less than a united front,” the Nigerian leader said. He warned that terrorism, unconstitutional changes of government, and climate shocks recognize no borders across the region.
He asserted that no single Member State could achieve enduring stability in isolation, noting, “Our security and prosperity are indivisible. We must act with shared resolve.” Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s “unwavering commitment” to ECOWAS ideals and the collective defense of the region’s future. “Our unity is not transactional, but foundational. Fraternity, not force, must define ECOWAS,” he added.
The President expressed regret over deepening internal disagreements, warning that these issues had shaken the bloc’s foundations. “We are most vulnerable not when challenged from outside, but when weakened from within,” Tinubu said. He thanked member states for their efforts to restore stability and confidence across West Africa. “Our shared geography is an opportunity to protect the dignity of our peoples,” he concluded.
ECOWAS Authority Chairman, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, expressed gratitude towards Tinubu and Nigeria for hosting the session. Bio praised Nigeria’s leadership and commended its role in safeguarding constitutional order in Benin Republic. He described the session as a defining moment for ECOWAS and a turning point for over 400 million West Africans.
Bio disclosed that starting January 2026, ECOWAS will reduce air travel costs across the region. ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar Touray, acknowledged support from foreign and continental partners, noting that recent events demonstrated the strength of regional solidarity and swift collective responses. Touray cited instability in Guinea-Bissau and an attempted coup in Benin Republic, which were addressed through decisive regional action.
Touray also revealed that Aliko Dangote will serve as Chairman of the ECOWAS Business Council. AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Youssouf added that the session strengthened coordination to advance democracy and regional stability.