ECOWAS should use diplomacy, not regional state of emergency - Policy Analyst

An ECOWAS policy analyst, Emmanuel Bensah, has questioned the regional bloc's decision to declare a state of emergency across West Africa following a recent surge in coups and attempted military mutinies.

ECOWAS announced the state of emergency on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, during the 55th session of the Mediation and Security Council at the ministerial level in Abuja.

ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray said the development reflects the “urgent need to reflect on the future of our democracy and to strengthen the security of our community.”

But in an interview with Citi News, Bensah argued that the bloc should have prioritised diplomacy in dealing with instability in affected countries, rather than issuing a blanket emergency declaration.

“In my humble opinion, I don't think that is what is needed. ECOWAS has been around long enough to still use diplomacy to ensure they have a conversation on this matter. That can include appointing an envoy to engage some of the member states,” he said.

He added that the decision signals deep concern from the ECOWAS leadership about the deteriorating security environment in the sub-region.

“If the ECOWAS president is doing this at this time, he is letting the member states know that he is not happy with the level of security in the sub-region,” he noted.

ECOWAS declares State of Emergency in West Africa

---CitiNewsRoom