The President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Dr Omar Alieu Touray, has warned that the West African region is facing a serious crisis of democracy and security.
Speaking in Abuja at a conference organised by the African Political Square and the African Leadership Centre, Dr Touray represented by ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Abdufatah Musah, said the sub-region is at a turning point that requires “deep introspection and honest self-assessment.”
He said constitutional manipulation, exclusionary politics and rising insecurity are threatening democratic gains made over the last five decades.
“ECOWAS today faces a crisis of democracy and security. Manipulation of constitutions and exclusionary politics have become fashionable,” he said. “Democracy is in crisis, and insecurity has worsened.”
Dr Touray noted that ECOWAS has passed through several phases since its establishment in 1975 — from Cold War era divisions, to peacekeeping missions of the 1990s, and to today’s struggle with rising political instability and violent conflicts.
He added that external pressures and internal weaknesses have created a moment where West Africa must choose what direction it wants to take.
“The world is now multipolar. Countries have choices based on their interests and values,” he said. “West Africa must also choose between people-centred democracy and authoritarian regression.”
His warning comes at a time when the region has seen several military coups, political tensions, and disputes over elections in recent years.