The Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government and President of Sierra Leone, Dr Julius Maada Bio, has commended the rapid mobilisation of ECOWAS troops and air assets, with Nigeria taking the lead, to safeguard constitutional order in the Republic of Benin.
Maada Bio gave the commendation in his opening remarks at the 68th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government meeting held at the Conference Centre of the State House, Abuja-Nigeria.
As Chair of the ECOWAS Authority, I opened the 68th Session and highlighted the rise in unconstitutional government changes, a threat to regional stability. As ECOWAS, I affirmed our commitment to democratic governance.
I called for progress on the ECOWAS Single Market, trade… pic.twitter.com/So0DIvl6GB
— Julius Maada Bio (@julius_maadabio) December 14, 2025
The ECOWAS Chairman noted that the instability in Guinea-Bissau and the attempted coup in the Republic of Benin serve as reminders that democracy demands constant vigilance and principled action, urging Heads of Government to uphold the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance with clarity, consistency, and moral conviction.
“The instability in Guinea Bissau and the attempted coup d’etat in Benin remind us that democracy requires constant vigilance and principled action.
“On behalf of this authority, I strongly condemn the unconstitutional change of government in Guine Bissau and the attempt to subvert the constitutional order in Benin.
“I commend the rapid mobilization of ECOWAS troops and air assets, with Nigeria taking the lead To safeguard constitutional order in Benin, this unified regional response reaffirms an essential principle ECOWAS does not and will not compromise on democratic governance,” he added.
The ECOWAS Chairman highlighted that West Africa is confronting some of the most complex and rapidly evolving threats in its history.
“Security is not only a military obligation, it is a human imperative, essential for protecting families, livelihoods and the dignity of our citizens.”
He said, security measures must be complemented by effective governance, expanded educational opportunities, job creation and stronger community resilience.
President Bio stressed that only a holistic strategy can dismantle extremism at its roots.
“The architects of ECOWAS understood that democracy is inseparable from peace, justice and development today, that democratic order is being tested the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government threaten our regional stability, undermines our citizens right, and weakens our collective future.
He added that the region must also deepen collective action through integrated intelligence systems, coordinated border operations, and the full operationalisation of the ECOWAS Standby Force for counter-terrorism.
“We must strengthen collective action, integrated intelligence systems, coordinated border operations and the operationalization of ECOWAS, standby force for Counter Terrorism.
“Our ministers of finance and defense are advancing modalities for sustainable financing and preparing to raise a 1650 personnel counter terrorism brigade by the end of 2026 but we must also pair security with governance, education, job creation and community resilience.
“It is only through such holistic approaches that we can dismantle extremism at its roots.
He expressed solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau and reaffirmed support for President Patrice Talon and the citizens of Benin, highlighting ECOWAS’ readiness to act decisively whenever democratic norms are threatened.
President Bio reaffirmed that economic integration remains central to ECOWAS’ vision.
He highlighted the bloc’s commitment to eliminating trade barriers, harmonising policies, deepening the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, and advancing monetary convergence in line with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Bio noted that a single regional currency by 2027 remains a transformative goal, capable of expanding trade, reducing transaction costs, and strengthening competitiveness across West Africa.
He also called for accelerated investment in roads, railways, energy grids, telecommunications, and transport corridors, describing them as catalytic to growth and regional cohesion.
President Bio added that, in a move aimed at improving mobility for citizens, ECOWAS will from January 1, 2026, abolish air transport taxes and reduce passenger and security charges by 25 per cent. He said the reform is designed to boost tourism, trade, and regional connectivity while easing travel costs for millions of West Africans.
ECOWAS Commission President Dr Omar Alieu Touray unveiled the ECOWAS Business Council, naming Nigerian industrialist Alhaji Aliko Dangote as its pioneer chairperson.
“Given his extensive experience across West Africa, the council will mobilise regional capital, strengthen intra-regional investment, and drive economic growth.
“Plans were also announced for a West African Economic Investment Summit, envisioned as a Davos-style platform to coordinate investment and track progress across the region,” he added.