Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, Timothy Kabba, has called for renewed commitment to democratic governance, peace, and regional stability, warning that West Africa faces mounting political and security threats.
Kabba made the call on Wednesday while closing the 55th Session of the Mediation and Security Council at the ministerial level in Abuja, where foreign ministers, ambassadors, commissioners, and diplomats met for two days of what he described as “intensive deliberations” on the region’s democratic and security challenges.
He cautioned that the subregion is increasingly exposed to global geopolitical tensions, noting that Africa continues to face pressures from “ageing powers, vintage ones and emerging ones” competing for influence on the continent.
Referencing historical patterns of exploitation — from the transatlantic slave trade to the gunpowder era — Kabba said the continent now risks being further disadvantaged in the technological age, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence.
“In today’s technological age, Africa is still at the tail end of technology. With the threat of AI, we expect more pressure on the African continent, especially West Africa,” he said.
Kabba also described climate change as a growing driver of instability, arguing that climate-induced food crises and environmental shocks are becoming “even more devastating” than familiar threats like poverty and disease.
Amid concerns that multilateral institutions are weakening globally, Kabba insisted that ECOWAS remains a vital platform anchored in shared values, culture and regional identity. He said recent unconstitutional changes of government in West Africa demonstrate the urgent need for member states to recommit to democratic governance.
“Our people become so disgruntled that sometimes it almost feels like there’s legitimacy in the challenges and opposition against democracy,” he warned, urging members to “assess ourselves as a community.”
Kabba cited the December 7 attempted overthrow of constitutional order in Benin Republic as a reminder of the region’s fragility, reiterating ECOWAS’ zero-tolerance stance on coups. He also restated the bloc’s commitment to ensuring Guinea-Bissau returns to constitutional rule.
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Responding to criticism that ECOWAS concentrates too heavily on political and security issues, Kabba maintained that peace remains the foundation for economic and social development.
“Without peace, security and stability, there will be no development,” he said.
He commended ministers for their engagement during the meeting and called for continued collaboration and trust-building, which he described as “the bedrock of our partnership.”
At the opening session on Tuesday, ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray said the region was facing conditions severe enough to justify declaring a state of emergency, citing escalating political instability and security challenges.
West Africa continues to confront multiple crises, including military-led governments in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, increasing fragility in Guinea-Bissau, and a recently foiled coup attempt in Benin Republic.