ECOWAS leaders warn of democratic collapse, demand urgent regional action

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West African leaders have issued one of their strongest warnings yet, declaring that the sub-region is at a “dangerous crossroads” as threats to democracy, constitutional order and the rule of law intensify across member states.

Speaking in Abuja at a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, heads of state, former leaders and regional officials, on Friday stressed that ECOWAS must confront the wave of political instability, military interventions, violent extremism, and democratic backsliding or risk a breakdown of regional cohesion.

Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone, Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, warned that “the sub-region will not survive the prevailing threats unless member states take drastic, collective action.”

Represented by Timothy Kabba, Foreign Minister, Bio said West Africa had benefited immensely from ECOWAS-led peace-building efforts, citing Sierra Leone’s own transition after its civil war. But he cautioned that the gains of the last two decades were under severe attack.

“Member states must rise up and fight tooth and nail to arrest the current threats to democracy in the sub-region.

“Collaboration is not just desirable, it is indispensable for our progress and stability”, he said.

He urged the parliament to serve as the region’s strongest political voice, mobilising citizens and governments to protect democratic institutions and reassert constitutional order.

Omar Touray, ECOWAS Commission President, said the Parliament’s 25th anniversary comes at a turning point in West Africa’s history, where democratic norms that once defined the community are being eroded.

Touray urged lawmakers to recommit to safeguarding civic space, human rights and the rule of law, pillars he said must define the region’s next 25 years.

“We must fight for democratic space, human rights and rule of law if we want our democracy to survive.

“The silver jubilee offers an opportunity to take stock and confront the challenges threatening our collective future”, he said.

Mémounatou Ibrahima, Speaker of the Parliament, said the institution must evolve to match the gravity of contemporary threats.

She noted that regional mediation efforts have shown that peace is fragile without credible, inclusive institutions.

“Peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it rests fundamentally on just, credible and inclusive institutions,” she said.

Goodluck Jonathan, former Nigerian President called for a hard line against coups and unconstitutional governance, stressing that democracy, though imperfect remains the most stable foundation for development and peace.

He warned that violent extremism and insecurity were exploiting governance weaknesses, and urged ECOWAS to strengthen electoral processes and constitutional stability.

“Our region must remain firm against unconstitutional governments. “Your role in promoting credible elections, good governance and peaceful dispute resolution is more critical than ever”, he said.

Read also: ECOWAS moves to fill key vacancies following Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso withdrawal

Jonathan said the Parliament must serve as the region’s “strong voice for political stabilisation” and a convening point for dialogue on collective security.

Former Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo described the period as “tumultuous,” urging the region to adopt a more integrated and collaborative approach as it confronts economic shocks, political instability, and rising insecurity.

“As our region navigates complex security, economic and political challenges, the role of this Parliament becomes even more interesting and complicated,” he said.

The 25th anniversary coincides with the Parliament’s two-week 2025 Extraordinary Session, which began on Monday, bringing together lawmakers across West Africa amid heightened concerns about military coups, shrinking democratic space, and tensions with Sahel states that recently exited ECOWAS.

Speakers agreed that the coming years would be pivotal for the region, warning that the actions, or inactions of ECOWAS today would determine whether West Africa advances toward democratic consolidation or slips further into instability.

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