The Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, on Sunday warned that West Africa is at an existential crossroads as terrorism, coups and economic pressures threaten its stability.
Speaking at a high-level ECOWAS meeting in Abuja, Maada Bio declared that the region could no longer afford disunity or hesitation, insisting that the body would not tolerate unconstitutional changes of government.
“Our unity is not optional; it is our greatest asset,” he said, stressing that “Instability in one nation is instability for all. No border can insulate us from violence or fragmentation.”
In a blunt rebuke of military takeovers and attempts to undermine democratic rule, the ECOWAS chairman said the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government posed a grave threat to citizens’ rights and regional peace.
“On behalf of this Authority, I strongly condemn any unconstitutional change of government and any attempt to undermine constitutional order in our region,” Maada Bio said.
He added that ECOWAS “does not and will not compromise on democratic governance,” noting that citizens across the region expect decisive leadership at a critical moment.
“Our citizens expect leadership, not hesitation, at this critical juncture,” he stated.
Nigeria’s Role, Regional Security Push
Maada Bio commended Nigeria for its leadership in recent regional security responses, saying the swift deployment of ECOWAS troops and air assets had sent a strong message that democracy remains non-negotiable in West Africa.
Against the backdrop of worsening insecurity in the Sahel, he disclosed that ECOWAS ministers were finalising plans to establish a 1,650-person air counterterrorism brigade by the end of 2026, with sustainable regional financing.
“Terrorism, violent extremism, organised crime and communal conflict continue to destabilise communities and undermine development,” he warned.
According to him, “Security is not only a military obligation; it is a human imperative.”
He further emphasised the need for integrated intelligence sharing, coordinated border operations and the full operationalisation of the ECOWAS Standby Force.
Beyond security challenges, the ECOWAS leader painted a grim picture of rising living costs, shrinking opportunities and fragile economies across the region, insisting that deeper economic integration had become unavoidable.
“Regional economic integration is the bedrock of the ECOWAS vision and the foundation of our collective prosperity,” he said.
Maada Bio reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to launching a single ECOWAS currency by 2027, citing renewed momentum in fiscal and monetary coordination.
“When achieved, a common currency will expand trade, reduce transaction costs and strengthen the competitiveness of millions of enterprises across West Africa,” he added.
Airfares To Drop from 2026
In a move expected to directly impact millions of citizens, Maada Bio announced that ECOWAS member states would slash the cost of air travel across the region from January 2026.
Under the agreement, countries will abolish air transport taxes and reduce passenger and security charges by 25 per cent.
“For too long, high airfares have constrained movement, limited business opportunities and kept families apart,” he said.
Describing the initiative as people-focused, he added, “This is a bold, people-centred reform that will ease mobility, deepen trade and strengthen regional ties.”
Marking ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary, Maada Bio said the next half-century must be defined by opportunity rather than crisis, with youth, women and strong institutions placed at the centre of regional renewal.
“Our youth are not merely participants in development; they are the authors of the ECOWAS story for the next 50 years,” he said.
He also warned that climate shocks, displacement and food insecurity required stronger early-warning systems and better-funded disaster responses, urging member states to prioritise institutional reforms, transparency and financial sustainability across the bloc.