ECOWAS Vows to ‘Forge Proactive & Forceful United Front’ Against Coups & Instability in West Africa
ECOWAS Vows to ‘Forge Proactive & Forceful United Front’ Against Coups & Instability in West Africa
At the 68th Ordinary Session in Abuja, ECOWAS leaders adopted a decisive stance to halt unconstitutional power seizures, combat terrorism, and strengthen regional security, the Nigerian presidency said.
Key decisions and actions:
▪Shift from sanctions to proactive intervention: The bloc will now deploy military and diplomatic measures preemptively—not just react after coups occur.
▪Rapid response validated: The collective action to thwart the December 7 coup attempt in Benin—including Nigeria’s immediate deployment of fighter jets and troops—was hailed as a model of regional solidarity.
▪New air travel agreement: Starting January 2026, ECOWAS will abolish air transport taxes to lower travel costs and boost regional integration.
▪ECOWAS Business Council launch: Aliko Dangote was appointed chair of the new body, created to drive public-private partnerships.
Leaders emphasized that internal divisions weaken the bloc and reaffirmed that constitutional order, democracy, and shared sovereignty are non-negotiable.
The African Union endorsed this stance, calling the Benin coup attempt “unacceptable” and urging stronger democratic coordination.
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