West African Leaders Urge United Front to Defend Democracy Amid Growing Instability
ABUJA, Nigeria — In a stark warning issued during a major regional gathering, West African leaders have called for immediate and coordinated action to protect democracy and the rule of law, stating the region is under severe threat.
The appeal was made at an event in Nigeria commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament. Leaders emphasized that the bloc cannot withstand the current escalating pressures without unity and decisive measures.
Chairman of ECOWAS and President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, pinpointed the recent wave of military takeovers and instability as clear evidence of a deepening crisis. He cited the coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea, alongside the attempted coup and persistent political turmoil in Guinea-Bissau, as urgent signs that democratic governance is under attack.
“The threats we face are not isolated; they are a contagion that undermines the peace and progress of our entire region,” President Bio stated in his address. “These actions represent a direct challenge to the principles of constitutional order and the rule of law upon which ECOWAS was founded.”
The series of coups since 2020 has left a significant portion of West Africa under military rule, fracturing the regional bloc and reversing decades of democratic progress. The instability has also exacerbated security challenges linked to militant insurgencies in the Sahel.
President Bio urged all member states to set aside differences and take strong, collective steps to confront the challenges. He emphasized that protecting democratic institutions is essential for economic development, security, and the well-being of the region’s citizens.
The call to action marks a critical moment for ECOWAS as it seeks to reaffirm its authority and navigate a path to restore and safeguard democratic norms across West Africa. The coming weeks are expected to see intensified diplomatic efforts and potentially new strategic initiatives from the bloc.
About The Author
