The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) convened its 68th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Nigeria, at a time of heightened political, security, and economic pressures across the sub-region. Leaders of the bloc made a firm commitment to defend democracy, deepen economic integration, and strengthen collective security, acknowledging the growing instability threatening West Africa’s long-term progress.

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, welcomed the heads of state and emphasized the critical importance of unity within the bloc. He cautioned that ECOWAS is weakest when divided, stressing that the region’s shared geography is not accidental but rooted in common history, kinship, memory, culture, struggle, and collective aspiration. While acknowledging that disagreements among member states are inevitable, President Tinubu emphasized that such differences must not undermine their shared destiny.

He highlighted a range of shared threats requiring coordinated regional action, including terrorism, violent extremism, unconstitutional changes of government, transnational crime, arms proliferation, cyber insecurity, climate shocks, food insecurity, and irregular migration. “These challenges recognise no borders. No single member state, regardless of size, can achieve enduring stability in isolation,” he stated, reaffirming Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to collective action and the core ideals of ECOWAS.

The summit unfolded against the backdrop of five turbulent years in West Africa, marked by a series of military coups. These include successful takeovers in Mali (2020 and 2021), Burkina Faso (twice in 2022), and Niger (2023), all currently under junta rule. More recently, the region witnessed a successful putsch in Guinea-Bissau in November and a foiled military takeover in Benin on December 7, 2025.

The swift response to the attempted coup in Benin, with Nigerian fighter jets and ground troops supporting loyalist forces within hours, was cited as clear evidence of regional solidarity and a growing shift toward preemptive military and diplomatic intervention to protect constitutional order.

Key leaders in attendance included President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, who serves as ECOWAS Authority Chairman, alongside Presidents Patrice Talon (Benin), José Maria Neves (Cabo Verde), Alassane Ouattara (Côte d’Ivoire), Adama Barrow (The Gambia), John Mahama (Ghana), Umaro Embaló (Guinea-Bissau), Joseph Boakai (Liberia), Bassirou Faye (Senegal), and Faure Gnassingbé (Togo). Heads of state from Guinea and Guinea-Bissau, both suspended following military takeovers, were notably absent.

President Bio described the summit as a “historic crossroads” and a “defining moment for the future of over 400 million West Africans,” commending Nigeria’s leadership in safeguarding constitutional governance across the region.

ECOWAS Commission President Dr Omar Alieu Touray reaffirmed the power of regional solidarity, referencing the bloc’s responses to instability in Guinea-Bissau and the attempted coup in Benin. He also announced a strategic pivot toward private-sector-led regional integration with the launch of the ECOWAS Business Council, noting that Alhaji Aliko Dangote has accepted the role of pioneer chairman.

Among the key agenda items were deliberations on the 2025 State of the Community Report, updates from the Mediation and Security Council, and a report on the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) aimed at boosting intra-regional trade. Leaders also reviewed special reports on Guinea-Bissau, the situation in Benin, and Guinea’s transition process.

Security challenges in the Sahel region, where jihadist groups remain active in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, also dominated discussions. These three countries, now withdrawn from ECOWAS to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), remain critical to regional stability. Dr Touray called for constructive negotiations with the AES, particularly on shared security concerns.

In a landmark decision, ECOWAS leaders agreed to reduce the cost of air travel across West Africa beginning January 2026, including the abolition of air transport taxes among member states, a move expected to boost regional mobility, trade, and economic integration.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, represented by Bankole Adeoye, emphasized the opportunity for deeper coordination and strategic dialogue to advance democracy and regional stability. He reiterated that the attempted coup in Benin and ongoing instability in Guinea-Bissau underscore the fragility of democratic institutions and highlight the urgent need for collective vigilance, early warning systems, and unified regional responses to preserve constitutional order across West Africa.