The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has commended Nigeria for its decisive role in thwarting the recent attempted military takeover in the Republic of Benin.
Speaking at the opening of the 55th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council (MSC) at the ministerial level in Abuja on Tuesday, ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray praised Nigeria’s swift military response, describing it as exemplary for the region.
Touray said the rapid intervention by Nigerian forces played a key role in preventing the overthrow of democratic governance in Benin, urging delegates to give Nigeria a standing ovation. He insisted that such prompt action should become the standard approach across West Africa to safeguard democratic institutions.
The ECOWAS Commission President warned that the region is effectively in a “state of emergency,” citing escalating political instability, terrorism and banditry. “Events of the last few weeks have shown the imperative of serious introspection on the future of our democracy and the urgent need to invest in the security of our community,” he said.
Touray called for more frequent meetings of the MSC beyond its two ordinary annual sessions, emphasizing the need for sustained engagement to confront growing security threats. He stressed the importance of pooling regional resources to combat terrorism and violent criminal networks that disregard national borders.
Citing data from the UNHCR Regional Bureau for West and Central Africa, he highlighted the worsening humanitarian situation, noting that as of October 2025, approximately 7.6 million people have been forcibly displaced, with over 1 million refugees and asylum seekers across the subregion.
Touray outlined several risk factors demanding urgent attention, including persistent military interventions—as seen recently in Guinea-Bissau and Benin—non-compliance with agreed transition timelines, erosion of electoral inclusivity, and the expanding influence of armed groups.
He urged the council to intensify monitoring of political developments across member states, stating: “This Council needs to constantly monitor the political and security situation in our community, to provide guidance and to enable regional action.”
