Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have agreed to adopt a more proactive and forceful united front to halt the spread of military coups, terrorism, and other forms of insecurity across the region. The decision was reached during the 68th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, where leaders resolved to shift from reactive sanctions to preemptive military and diplomatic interventions, following a series of military takeovers in the Sahel.

Leaders cited the swift response to an attempted coup in the Republic of Benin on December 7, 2025, as evidence of the bloc’s renewed resolve. Within hours of soldiers reportedly seizing the national broadcaster in Cotonou, Nigeria deployed fighter jets and ground troops to support loyalist forces, helping to restore constitutional order.

At the session hosted by Nigeria, immediate past Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, current Chairman and President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, and President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, stressed that unity and solidarity among member states remain the most effective path to ending military takeovers and violent extremism in the region.