(DDM) – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday met with leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Abuja to deliberate on the reported coup attempt in the Republic of Benin and escalating security challenges across the sub-region.
The emergency ECOWAS summit, held on December 15, 2025, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, brought together heads of state, foreign ministers, defence chiefs, and regional security experts amid growing fears that unconstitutional changes of government could further destabilise West Africa.
The meeting was convened following intelligence and preliminary reports indicating an attempted overthrow of the Beninese government, an incident that has raised alarm within ECOWAS due to Benin’s long-standing reputation as one of the region’s most stable democracies.
President Tinubu, who currently chairs ECOWAS, stressed that the bloc could not afford another democratic setback, especially as several member states continue to grapple with military rule, insurgency, and political unrest.
According to officials briefed on the closed-door discussions, leaders reviewed security intelligence, diplomatic responses, and possible collective measures to deter future coups and protect constitutional governance.
Background to the crisis shows that West Africa has witnessed a troubling wave of military takeovers in recent years, with Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger experiencing coups that strained ECOWAS unity and tested its enforcement mechanisms.
These developments have weakened regional cooperation, disrupted economic integration, and complicated counter-terrorism efforts across the Sahel and coastal states.
Benin, which shares borders with Niger, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria, has increasingly faced spillover threats from jihadist violence, cross-border arms trafficking, and political pressure linked to regional instability.
Security analysts say the attempted coup underscores how fragile democratic institutions have become, even in countries previously considered resilient.
At the Abuja summit, ECOWAS leaders reportedly discussed strengthening early-warning systems, intelligence sharing, and joint military cooperation to prevent unconstitutional power grabs.
Diplomatic sources said emphasis was also placed on dialogue, sanctions frameworks, and the role of regional mediation in resolving political crises before they escalate.
President Tinubu urged member states to recommit to democratic norms, warning that continued instability could further erode investor confidence, worsen humanitarian conditions, and deepen poverty across the region.
He reportedly reminded leaders that ECOWAS was founded on the principles of collective security, economic cooperation, and respect for constitutional order.
Beyond the Benin situation, the summit also addressed broader issues, including terrorism, economic recovery, energy security, youth unemployment, and the future direction of ECOWAS following recent withdrawals and suspensions.
Observers note that the Abuja meeting comes at a critical moment for the regional bloc, which has faced criticism over its handling of recent coups and its ability to enforce decisions.
Civil society groups have called on ECOWAS to balance firm action with inclusive political engagement to avoid further alienating citizens in affected countries.
As the summit concluded, officials indicated that a formal communiqué outlining decisions and possible actions would be released after consultations with Beninese authorities and regional stakeholders.
The outcome of the Abuja talks is expected to shape ECOWAS’ next steps in defending democracy and restoring confidence in regional leadership at a time of unprecedented challenges.