LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- West African leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to regional security, democratic governance and deeper economic integration following the conclusion of the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in Abuja.
The three-day meeting, held from December 10 to 12, brought together ministers from across the bloc to assess mounting security threats, political instability and economic pressures shaping the region’s future.
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Timothy Kabba, chaired the session as deliberations centred on violent extremism in the Sahel, the proliferation of small arms, transnational organised crime and maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea.
Ministers also reviewed the persistence of unconstitutional changes of government, showing a challenge that continues to test democratic institutions within the sub-region.
“During our discussions, we confronted with precision the key issues shaping our region’s trajectory. Among other issues, we examined the ongoing security threats that jeopardise stability in parts of our region, including violent extremism in the Sahel, the spread of small arms, transnational organised crime, maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea, unconstitutional regime changes, economic integration and climate change,” Kabba said in his closing remarks.
He stressed that despite the scale of the challenges, collective action remains ECOWAS’s strongest asset.
“These threats, though challenging, are not impossible to overcome. Our discussions confirmed that the strength of ECOWAS lies in our unity, solidarity and ability to deploy both diplomatic and operational measures to safeguard and advance our shared peace and security framework,” Kabba said.
READ ALSO: Fubara Vows To Deliver Rivers For Tinubu 2027 After APC Defection
Attention also turned to political developments in several member states and their implications for democratic governance. Kabba reiterated Sierra Leone’s support for ECOWAS’s long-standing position on constitutional rule.
“We also reflected deeply on the political situations in some member states and their impacts on democratic governance in the region. Sierra Leone remains fully committed to ECOWAS’s goal of a region where democracy, constitutional order and the rule of law are non-negotiable principles,” he said.
Economic integration featured prominently, with ministers calling for faster implementation of flagship initiatives such as the ECOWAS single currency, free movement of persons and the Customs Union. Kabba warned that global economic uncertainty had heightened the need for stronger intra-regional trade and reduced structural vulnerabilities.
Humanitarian pressures and climate-related risks were also examined, including food insecurity, displacement, health emergencies and climate shocks. Ministers agreed on the need for coordinated regional responses, stronger early-warning systems and better preparedness for vulnerable communities.
At the close of the session, the council adopted recommendations to be forwarded to the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
Kabba urged member states to sustain the momentum generated in Abuja through effective implementation and close coordination.
“It is now our duty to maintain the momentum we have built here by implementing agreed decisions, coordinating among our national and regional institutions and keeping communication open as we face new challenges,” he said.
The meeting ended against the backdrop of persistent political instability in parts of West Africa, with military-led administrations in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. Notably, recent tensions in Guinea-Bissau and a foiled coup attempt in Benin underscores the fragility of democratic governance across the region.
