ECOWAS Warns of Global Power Rivalry, Emerging AI Threats to West Africa
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has raised fresh concerns over rising global power struggles and the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI), warning that both trends pose significant risks to peace and stability across the region.
Speaking at the closing of the two-day 55th Session of the Mediation and Security Council (MSC) at the ministerial level in Abuja on Wednesday, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, Timothy Kabba, urged member states to renew their commitment to democracy, security, and regional cohesion.
Kabba said the meeting brought together foreign ministers, commissioners, ambassadors, and senior diplomats for “intensive deliberations” on the political and security challenges facing West Africa, including unconstitutional changes of government, terrorism, and deepening geopolitical pressures.
He cautioned that the region is increasingly exposed to the tensions among major global powers, noting that Africa has once again become a focal point of international competition.
“Our region is not an exclusion from the vibrations that emanate from the contestation of the powers of the world in a rather multipolar world,” Kabba said.
“Ageing powers, vintage ones, and emerging ones are all beating their ways to the African continent.”
Drawing on history, Kabba recalled that Africa has historically borne the brunt of global power shifts from the transatlantic slave trade to the era of gunpowder and colonial exploitation.
He warned that the world is now entering a new phase, where technological advancements especially artificial intelligence could create fresh vulnerabilities for African nations if not properly managed.
According to him, while technology offers opportunities, it could also heighten insecurity, widen inequality, and increase the influence of external actors within the region if states do not act proactively.
Kabba emphasized the urgent need for stronger regional cooperation, stressing that West Africa’s resilience will depend on its ability to adapt to global trends, uphold democratic standards, and reinforce mechanisms for peace and security.
The ministerial session forms part of ECOWAS’ broader efforts to address ongoing crises across the region, including military coups, economic pressures, and the escalating threat of violent extremism.
