The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sierra Leone, Musa Timothy Kabba, who also serves as Chairman of the Mediation and Security Council at the ministerial level for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has reiterated the organization’s strict stance against military coups in West Africa.
Speaking at the 55th ordinary meeting of the Council held on December 9, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria, Kabba stated that ECOWAS “will not and cannot accept the undermining of constitutional order in its member states,” referencing recent events such as the coup d’état in Guinea-Bissau on November 28 and a failed coup attempt in Benin on December 7.
“During this meeting, we must take decisions that will give hope to our peoples and credibility to our institutions, and that will also contribute to maintaining regional peace and stability,” said Musa Timothy Kabba.
Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, echoed these concerns. He condemned recent coups, noting their threat to peace and stability in West Africa. Dr. Touray praised both Nigeria and ECOWAS for their prompt response to support Benin’s authorities during the attempted coup.
He expressed concern about ongoing military interventions in Guinea-Bissau and Benin as well as what he described as failures to adhere to transition standards in Guinea. Dr. Touray also noted an increase in political practices that undermine democratic principles within several states.
“Elections have become a major factor of instability in our Community. Despite all the efforts made by our Community to establish principles of constitutional convergence and put in place a programme to support elections in our region with a view to preserving our democratic credibility and stability, we continue to witness political practices that violate these principles,” said Dr Omar Alieu Touray.
He further addressed security threats posed by terrorist groups and criminal networks operating along regional borders. Dr. Touray called for negotiations on security cooperation between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), stating: “we continue to see the devastating effects of terrorist groups along our borders with them.”
In addition to political and security matters, Dr. Touray highlighted humanitarian concerns across West Africa. He cited figures from the Regional Office for West and Central Africa of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), indicating that approximately 7.6 million people were forcibly displaced within West Africa as of October 2025—an increase from 7.4 million recorded earlier that year—and mentioned over one million refugees and asylum seekers across the region.
Dr. Touray urged council members to implement measures aimed at reversing these trends: “He expressed his conviction that, thanks to their unwavering commitment to the items on the agenda of their 55th meeting, informed and constructive recommendations will be brought to the attention of the next session of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.”
The agenda for this session includes analysis of current political, security, and humanitarian developments; updates on Guinea’s transition process; reviews on democracy within ECOWAS; examination of reports from prior ambassadorial-level meetings; follow-up on National Early Warning and Response Centres; as well as discussions regarding regional integration ahead of an upcoming special summit.
The Mediation and Security Council comprises foreign affairs and defense ministers from ECOWAS member states. It plays a central role in conflict prevention and resolution throughout West Africa.