ECOWAS HEADS of state reaffirm commitment to democracy, peace and regional stability at their 68th Summit in Abuja

Abuja, Nigeria – 14 December 2025 — The Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the preservation of constitutional order, democratic governance, peace and regional stability across West Africa.

Addressing a press conference at the conclusion of the 68th Ordinary Session of the Authority, held at the State House, Abuja, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu TOURAY, outlined the key decisions and conclusions arising from the Summit. The Summit was attended ECOWAS Member States, underscoring the collective resolve of the region’s leadership to confront shared challenges and advance regional integration.

The Authority reviewed the 2025 Annual Report of the Community, alongside the prevailing peace and security situation in the region. In this context, Heads of State and Government reaffirmed their zero-tolerance stance against unconstitutional changes of government and reiterated their collective responsibility to safeguard democracy and stability.

The Authority welcomed the successful conduct of recent presidential and general elections in several Member States and commended national authorities for ongoing preparations toward forthcoming elections scheduled for next year. Heads of State also acknowledged the progress recorded in Sierra Leone in the implementation of the Agreement for National Unity and encouraged the sustained pursuit of inclusive political dialogue.

On The Gambia, the Authority expressed serious concern over recent statements made by the country’s former President from exile in Equatorial Guinea, noting that such pronouncements violate the conditions of asylum and pose a threat to peace, security and social cohesion. The Authority recalled that joint declarations by the African Union and partners facilitating the former President’s departure from power do not exempt him from accountability, including allegations of human rights violations committed between 1994 and 2016. Heads of State strongly condemned all attempts to destabilise The Gambia and warned that any further interference would attract appropriate consequences, including sanctions for breaches of asylum conditions.

Regarding Benin, the Authority condemned in the strongest terms the recent attempted coup d’état, which sought to undermine decades of uninterrupted constitutional governance. Heads

of State commended the swift and decisive response of Beninese security forces, as well as the regional solidarity demonstrated through ECOWAS mechanisms, including the deployment of elements of the ECOWAS Standby Force, which helped neutralise the threat. In light of this development, the Authority directed the ECOWAS Commission to take necessary steps to propose measures aimed at the operationalisation and strengthening of the ECOWAS Standby Force.

On the Republic of Guinea, the Authority expressed satisfaction with the significant progress achieved in the transition process, which is expected to culminate in elections scheduled for 28 December 2025. Heads of State instructed the Commission to deepen collaboration with regional and international partners to ensure sustained and coordinated support for the transition. The Authority also confirmed that ECOWAS will deploy an election observation mission to accompany the electoral process.

With respect to Guinea-Bissau, the Authority reiterated the decisions adopted at the Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council held on 27 November 2025. The Authority took note of reports by election observation missions from ECOWAS, the African Union and others which described the 23 November 2025 elections as free, transparent and peaceful. The Authority rejected the so-called transition programme announced by the military leadership, demanded the immediate release of all political detainees, and called for the prompt restoration of constitutional order, including full respect for the rights of all political actors to participate freely in the political process.

Concluding, the Authority reaffirmed its collective determination to defend democracy, uphold constitutional order and strengthen regional peace and security, stressing that ECOWAS will continue to act decisively, in solidarity with Member States, to protect the stability and democratic aspirations of the peoples of West Africa.