The 43rd meeting of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council (MSC) at the ambassadorial level took place on December 4, 2025, at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria. The gathering included Permanent Representatives from Member States, as well as Directors and officials from the Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and Early Warning Directorates.
During the meeting, participants reviewed recent developments related to democracy, politics, security, and humanitarian issues in West Africa. Updates were provided on the implementation of National Early Warning and Response Centres. Preparations for a Special Summit focused on the future of regional integration in West Africa were also discussed.
Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, spoke on behalf of Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission. Musah emphasized concerns about worsening insecurity in the region. He stated: “The MSC should focus attention on the process of activating the regional counter terrorism force following the adoption of funding modalities for the force based on the region’s own resources.”
Musah also noted positive steps toward consolidating democracy in West Africa by referencing peaceful elections held in Côte d’Ivoire in October and a referendum conducted in Guinea on September 21, 2025. However, he pointed out that “the unfortunate coup d’etat in Guinea Bissau is yet another proof that democracy remains fragile in the region.” He called for “pertinent recommendations for the immediate restoration of constitutional order” in Guinea Bissau.
In his opening address, H.E. Julius Sandy—Chair of the MSC and Sierra Leone’s Permanent Representative to Nigeria—addressed recent challenges facing ECOWAS. He said: “The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, along with rising insecurity, governance challenges, and humanitarian crises calls for urgent and collective response by ECOWAS.”