The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has raised fresh concerns over the state of democracy in West Africa, warning that rising insecurity and weak governance are eroding public trust and threatening political stability across the region.

The warning was delivered during a recent session of the ECOWAS Parliament held in Abuja, where regional leaders and lawmakers stressed the urgent need for governments to deliver meaningful outcomes to citizens.

Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, said democracy in West Africa must go beyond elections and produce tangible improvements in people’s lives, particularly in areas such as security, economic development, and social welfare.

He noted that although democracy remains widely accepted across the region, citizens are increasingly frustrated by persistent insecurity, economic hardship, and ineffective leadership, which have contributed to declining confidence in public institutions.

ECOWAS lawmakers pointed to a growing pattern of instability, including unconstitutional changes of government and a surge in violent conflicts, as key threats to democratic systems. Since 2020, several countries in the region have experienced military coups, further complicating efforts to sustain democratic governance.

The regional bloc warned that these developments reflect deeper structural challenges, including weak institutions and limited accountability, rather than outright rejection of democratic rule by citizens.

ECOWAS called on member states to strengthen governance frameworks, improve transparency, and enhance cooperation in tackling security threats. It also emphasized the need to fully implement regional mechanisms designed to prevent conflict and uphold democratic standards.

According to the bloc, restoring public trust will require inclusive governance, stronger institutions, and leadership that prioritizes the welfare of citizens.