West African Ministers Issue Stark Warning on Region's Crises

Ministers from West Africa concluded a high-level meeting with a grave warning about multiple threats to regional stability. The Economic Community of West African States Council of Ministers expressed deep concern over the spread of violent extremism in the Sahel region. They also highlighted the dangerous circulation of small arms and light weapons. The group identified other major security challenges. These include transnational organized crime and maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea. A key political concern was also raised: the continued occurrence of unconstitutional changes of government. This refers to military coups and other illegal seizures of power. The ministers made these statements at the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS council. The meeting ended this weekend in Abuja, Nigeria.