ECOWAS Urges Restraint, Dialogue, and Respect for Venezuela’s Sovereignty Following U.S. Military Actions

ECOWAS has called for restraint, inclusive dialogue, and respect for Venezuela’s sovereignty in response to recent U.S. military actions in the country. In a statement issued from Abuja on January 5, 2026, the regional bloc emphasized that while states have the right to combat transnational threats, such actions must comply with international law.

The organization highlighted the importance of respecting the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, citing Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter. ECOWAS aligned itself with the African Union’s earlier statement, urging calm, dialogue, and the peaceful resolution of disputes in Venezuela.

The bloc reaffirmed its support for the Venezuelan people, emphasizing that they must have the primary role in determining their nation’s future through inclusive processes. ECOWAS stressed that international engagement must uphold constitutional and institutional frameworks, good neighborliness, and cooperation, while avoiding violations of sovereignty.

Topics: International, Politics, Africa, Venezuela, Diplomacy.

AAC Chairman Warns Against US Airstrikes in Sokoto, Cautions Nigeria on Sovereignty and Long-Term Instability

The African Action Congress (AAC) Chairman for the FCT, Agena A. Robert, has warned Nigerians against celebrating recent U.S. airstrikes on alleged terrorist targets in Sokoto State. He cautioned that foreign military intervention risks undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty and could lead to long-term instability. In a statement titled “A Wake-Up Call for Nigerians: Don’t Trade Sovereignty for Short-Term Gains,” Robert argued that such strikes make Nigeria a potential battleground for global power interests and criticized the government for appearing merely “notified, not consulted.” He emphasized that foreign powers exploit conflicts rather than solve them, urging Nigerians to seek local solutions, strengthen regional cooperation via ECOWAS and Lake Chad Basin partners, and hold the Presidency accountable for approving foreign military operations. Robert stressed that addressing terrorism requires tackling root causes like poverty, corruption, and governance failures, rather than relying solely on airstrikes.

Nigeria Taken to ECOWAS Court Over Alleged Killing of Adamawa Women Protesters by Soldiers, Families Seek Justice

Nigeria has been dragged to the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice over the alleged killing of women protesters in Lamurde, Adamawa State, on 8 December 2025. The suit, filed by Cadrell Advocacy Centre on behalf of the deceased women and their families, claims that soldiers of the Nigerian Army opened live fire on peaceful demonstrators protesting a government-imposed curfew amid clashes between the Bachama and Chobo communities. Reports indicate that at least nine women were killed instantly, while several others were injured. Amnesty International Nigeria confirmed and condemned the killings, though the Army denied responsibility, attributing the violence to a local militia. The legal filing requests that the ECOWAS Court declare Nigeria liable for human rights violations, conduct an independent investigation, prosecute those responsible, and award compensation totaling N10 billion to the victims and their families.

Nigerian Trade Minister, CAC, Police Accused of Complicity and Silence as Ghana Petitions River Park Estate Dispute to ECOWAS Court

Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, along with corporate regulators and security authorities, has been accused of silence and inaction amid the escalating River Park Estate crisis, now formally petitioned to the ECOWAS Court by the Ghanaian government. The dispute centres on allegations by Jonah Capital Limited and Houses for Africa Limited that the Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, SAN, unlawfully expropriated shares, removed directors extrajudicially and retroactively invalidated corporate filings dating back nearly two decades. Despite a formal petition submitted on December 8, 2025, accusing the CAC of abuse of power and actions detrimental to investor confidence, the Nigerian trade minister has remained publicly silent, raising concerns about regulatory capture and political shielding. The crisis has drawn diplomatic attention, with Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria confirming that Accra has escalated the matter to ECOWAS after failed bilateral engagements, warning that the conduct of Nigerian authorities risks undermining investor protection, judicial processes and Nigeria–Ghana relations.

Ghana Escalates River Park Estate Dispute To ECOWAS Court As High Commissioner Accuses Nigerian Authorities, CAC Of Harassment And Unlawful Actions Against Jonah Capital

Ghana has formally escalated the long-running River Park Estate dispute in Abuja to the ECOWAS Court, following allegations of harassment, document falsification and breach of agreements by Nigerian authorities against Ghanaian investment firm Jonah Capital. Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Jamal, confirmed that Accra submitted an official petition to ECOWAS after earlier diplomatic efforts failed, alleging that vested interests were attempting to unlawfully take over assets that do not belong to them. Jonah Capital’s CEO, Kojo Mensah, also accused Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) of spreading false claims, altering corporate records, and unlawfully expropriating shares, actions which he said undermine court processes and threaten massive economic losses. The dispute has now assumed a regional dimension, raising concerns over investor protection, rule of law and bilateral relations between Ghana and Nigeria.

PDP Blasts Tinubu’s Absence From ECOWAS Summit in Abuja, Accuses President of Prioritising 2027 Elections Over Regional Leadership

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised President Bola Tinubu for failing to personally attend the 68th Ordinary ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit held in Abuja, despite Nigeria hosting the high-level meeting. Represented instead by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu’s absence, according to the PDP, undermined Nigeria’s regional leadership and international standing. The opposition party argued that the President’s appearance at a political event shortly after the summit reinforced perceptions that his administration is more focused on preparations for the 2027 elections than on regional stability, security, and governance. The PDP urged the federal government to prioritise governance, security, infrastructure, education, and healthcare over partisan political interests.

68th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS
The 68th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is being held today, Sunday, December 14, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria.
The summit is chaired by President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, who serves as the current Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
The summit brings together leaders from member states to address critical regional issues, building on preparatory meetings held earlier in the week.
Several West African heads of state have arrived in Abuja for the session, including President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, and President Adama Barrow of The Gambia.
Key agenda items include discussions on the future of the ECOWAS Community, presentation of the 2025 Annual Report on the State of the Community, updates on regional security and mediation efforts, progress on the political transition in Guinea, and a review of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS).

Nathalie Yamb wrote:

Niger has been holding agent Mohamed Bazoum for two and a half years. France, Nigeria, and ECOWAS have been able to do nothing.

Burkina held 4 French DGSE agents for a year. France was able to do nothing.

Mali held 49 Ivorian mercenary-soldiers for 6 months. Côte d’Ivoire was able to do nothing.

Mali has been holding a DGSE agent for 4 months. France can do nothing.

Let those who are getting worked up with their s0ft bra!ns about the retention of a Nigerian Army C-130 that v!olated AES airspace — and the detention of the 11 soldiers on board — go ask for advice from their buddies, and especially from the Nigerian authorities who, for their part, have understood very well that they need to keep a low profile if they want the situation to be resolved.

Our countries. Our spaces. Our rules.

#ifitslouditsnewsflash #Tinubu #BurkinaFaso #newsflashngr #news

BURKINA FASO PRESIDENT CAPT. IBRAHIM TRAORE RESPONDS TO ECOWAS

"When we cried out that hunger was ke-ee-ling our children in the Sahel, they turned a deaf ear.

When we screamed for help as thieves in white kaftans emptied our treasuries and fled with our wealth, they remained deaf.

When we demanded just a fair share of the gold, uranium, and lithium being carted away to build foreign cities while our villages had no light, they were stone deaf.

But the moment we finally stood up, dusted ourselves off, and said “Enough is enough! Once beaten, twice shy — never again will we be used,”
suddenly all those deaf ears began to hear perfectly.

Suddenly the big birds (the drones and warplanes) started circling our skies.
Suddenly ECOWAS remembered that the Sahel is, after all, an “indispensable part” of Africa.

What exactly do you gain by dragging us back into the misery we have already escaped?

They called the Sahel small and insignificant, yet from this “small” land rose a heart too big to be enslaved again.

The day Africa finally sees that the one who calls himself “friend” is actually the enemy,
that day her true redemption will begin”

ECOWAS Endorses Ghana’s President Mahama for African Union Chairmanship in 2027

ECOWAS has officially endorsed Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama as its sole candidate for the African Union Chairmanship in 2027. The decision was reached during the 95th ECOWAS Council of Ministers meeting in Abuja, reflecting the bloc’s commitment to supporting member states in securing key continental positions. Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed that the endorsement was unanimous and highlighted Mahama’s pan-African leadership. The final approval is expected from the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, which will formalize Ghana’s candidacy as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the region’s influence within AU and international institutions.


#ECOWAS #JohnMahama #AfricanUnion

Benin Sought Nigeria’s Help to Prevent Civilian Deaths During Failed Coup Attempt — Foreign Minister Bakari

Benin’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Olushegun Bakari, has revealed that his country urgently requested military support from Nigeria and other ECOWAS states to avoid civilian casualties during last Sunday’s failed coup attempt against President Patrice Talon. Speaking in Abuja, Bakari said Benin activated the ECOWAS intervention protocol after mutineers launched coordinated attacks on key state installations, including the presidential residence and national broadcaster. Although Benin’s military had repelled the initial assault, the rebels retreated into civilian-populated areas, prompting the call for external support to ensure a precise, low-casualty operation. Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Sierra Leone deployed forces that helped prevent the conflict from escalating. Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, said the episode underscored the importance of a strengthened, well-funded ECOWAS Standby Force.


#BeninCoupAttempt #ECOWASIntervention #WestAfricaSecurity

Benin Coup Attempt: Military Intervention and Talon’s Grip on Power

On December 7, 2025, Benin faced a coup attempt led by Lt. Col. Paschal Tigri, targeting President Patrice Talon amid widespread allegations of corruption, repression, and economic hardship. The Nigerian military, alongside ECOWAS and French forces, intervened to support Talon, sparking debate over Africa’s sovereignty, democracy, and foreign influence. Critics argue that Talon’s authoritarian tactics and suppression of opposition highlight the fragility of democratic governance in Benin.

#BeninCoup #PatriceTalon #WestAfricaPolitics

Nigeria, Benin Foreign Ministers Meet in Abuja, Address Failed Coup and Regional Security Threats

Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, and his Beninese counterpart, Olushegun Adjadi Bakar, met at the ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja to discuss the recent failed coup attempt in Benin and rising security challenges across West Africa. Both ministers emphasized the need for deeper regional cooperation, with Tuggar noting that much of Nigeria’s insecurity stems from external influences. Benin’s minister confirmed that Nigerian military support was sought to neutralize coup plotters positioned in sensitive locations, praising the swift response that helped restore order. The two nations called for a standby regional force to counter future destabilisation attempts, while authorities continue hunting the coup leader, Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri.


#RegionalSecurity

#ECOWAS

#BeninCoup

Guinea-Bissau’s opposition is urging ECOWAS to intervene to protect the country’s democracy.

They are calling for the same kind of involvement the bloc showed recently in Benin.

Rising political tensions have sparked worries about the state of democratic institutions.

Opposition leaders warn that without ECOWAS action, those institutions could be undermined.

The regional organization has a record of mediating governance issues across West Africa,
and supporters hope it will step in to help preserve peace and stability.

Aliko Dangote Named Pioneer Chair of New ECOWAS Business Council

Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has been appointed the first Chairperson of the newly established ECOWAS Business Council, a regional platform created to strengthen private sector investment and deepen economic integration across West Africa. The appointment was announced by ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray during the 95th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers in Abuja.
The Business Council is expected to mobilise regional private capital, reduce dependence on foreign investment, and enhance collaboration between businesses, governments, and ECOWAS institutions. Leaders at the event—including officials from Sierra Leone and Nigeria—emphasised the need for stability, democratic governance, youth empowerment, and improved cross-border trade.
Dangote’s leadership is projected to energise private sector participation at a time when ECOWAS faces political instability, security threats, and humanitarian crises in several member states.

TIB Delta to Protest ‘Unlawful’ Prosecution of Activist Aghogho Amid AGF Authorization Dispute

The Take It Back Movement (TIB), Delta State chapter, plans a peaceful protest at the Federal High Court in Warri on December 15 over the alleged unlawful prosecution of activist Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho. The group says Delta State initiated federal charges without the Attorney-General of the Federation’s consent, despite conflicting positions presented before the ECOWAS Court. Aghogho is challenging the case as unconstitutional and seeking its dismissal along with ₦500 billion in compensation. TIB argues that the AGF’s filings expose inconsistencies, calling for judicial accountability as tensions rise ahead of the next court hearing.

NIGERIA-BANGKOK TO UNLOCK POTENTIAL IN AFRICA-ASIA COOPERATION

Nigeria and Thailand have agreed to take their bilateral relationship to a strategic level. The commitment was made during a high-level meeting in Bangkok today, between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar and his Thai counterpart, Sihasak Phuangketkeow.

In a statement, Yusuf Tuggar, proposed for Thailand to help bridge the regions, by fostering collaboration between the African bloc, ECOWAS, and the Southeast Asian bloc, ASEAN, foreseeing eventual ASEAN-ECOWAS Summit in the long-term.

Both sides discussed building on Nigeria's crude oil exports and Thailand's rice and machinery exports, and extending to scholarship programmes for Nigerian students.

They agreed to diversify into new areas like agro-processing, renewable energy, manufacturing, and ICT.

While on security, Yusuf Tuggar stressed on cooperation against transnational crimes like drug and human trafficking, proposing increased intelligence-sharing and joint training.

To solidify this enhanced partnership, the Minister urged for speedy conclusion of pending bilateral agreements on trade, investment, and culture, with a view to establishing a high-level joint commission.

The meeting concluded with Nigeria reaffirming Thailand as its strategic partner in Asia and extended an invitation for reciprocal high-level visits.

ECOWAS Unveils Business Council, Appoints Dangote as First Chairman

ECOWAS has launched the ECOWAS Business Council to strengthen private-sector participation and boost regional investment, naming Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote as its pioneer chairman. The announcement was made during the opening of the 95th ECOWAS Council of Ministers meeting in Abuja. ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray said the initiative aims to reduce dependence on foreign capital by promoting intra-regional investment and fostering collaboration between governments, private-sector leaders, and ECOWAS institutions. Dangote’s selection is based on his vast investment footprint across West Africa and his leadership of one of the region’s biggest conglomerates. The Council is expected to drive economic integration, sustainable development, and capital mobilisation across member states.


#ECOWAS

#Dangote

#RegionalInvestment

ECOWAS Slashes Air Travel Taxes and Charges to Boost Regional Connectivity

West African leaders have taken a major step to make flying within the region significantly cheaper, adopting measures that will abolish multiple air transport taxes and cut passenger and security charges by 25 percent starting 1 January 2026.

The decision was reached at the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit held in Abuja in December 2024, where leaders signed a Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees aimed at tackling one of the biggest barriers to regional integration: the high cost of intra-African air travel.

For years, West Africa has had some of the world’s most expensive airfares relative to distance, largely due to a web of taxes, fuel surcharges, security fees and other levies imposed by individual countries.

The new policy requires all 15 ECOWAS member states to eliminate designated air transport taxes entirely and reduce remaining passenger service and security charges by a quarter.

The move is expected to lower ticket prices, stimulate tourism and business travel, strengthen local airlines and support trade, and advance the free movement of people and goods – a core objective of the ECOWAS Treaty.

To ensure compliance, the ECOWAS Commission will oversee implementation through a newly established Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism.

Regional aviation stakeholders have welcomed the decision, describing it as a game-changer for West Africa’s Africa’s chronically under-served air transport market.

The reforms will take effect on 1 January 2026, giving airlines and national authorities one year to adjust systems and regulations.

ECOWAS Declares Regional State of Emergency as Coups and Instability Surge in West Africa

ECOWAS has declared a regional state of emergency following a spike in coups, attempted mutinies, and worsening insecurity across West Africa. ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray announced the decision during the 55th Mediation and Security Council meeting in Abuja, stressing the urgent need for coordinated action to protect democracy and stability. The emergency move comes amid rising political tensions and security breakdowns in several member states, with further operational directives expected after ongoing deliberations.


#ECOWAS #WestAfricaCrisis #RegionalSecurity