SHOTLIST

ABUJA, NIGERIA (DEC. 14, 2025) (ANADOLU - ACCESS ALL)

1. VARIOUS OF ECOWAS SUMMIT IN ABUJA

2. VARIOUS OF ECOWAS MEMBER STATE DELEGATIONS

3. SIERRA LEONE PRESIDENT JULIUS MAADA BIO SPEAKING DURING SUMMIT

4. SIERRA LEONE PRESIDENT JULIUS MAADA BIO SPEAKING DURING SUMMIT ABUJA, NIGERIA - DEC. 14: Leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) met in Nigeria’s capital Abuja on Sunday, Dec. 14, to discuss a failed coup attempt in Benin and other regional challenges.

The leaders gathered for the 68th ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit, where security developments, including the attempted coup in Benin on Dec. 7, were among the main agenda items.

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission President Omar Touray, said in his opening remarks that recent developments in the region demonstrated the organization’s spirit of solidarity and integration.

Touray said events in recent weeks underscored the importance of regional cooperation in safeguarding democracy and stability.

Referring to developments in Guinea-Bissau, Touray said peaceful and transparent elections were disrupted by military intervention, adding that ECOWAS leaders responded in a measured but effective manner.

Touray said ECOWAS, under Nigeria’s leadership, adopted a firm stance following the failed coup attempt in Benin, mobilizing political and military efforts to protect democratic order in the country and the wider region.

Touray said the summit would also address security challenges, economic integration, counterterrorism efforts, the protection of constitutional order and the strengthening of regional cooperation.

ECOWAS President Touray added that rising terrorism and violent extremism in the Sahel continue to place significant pressure on development goals across ECOWAS member states.

The meeting comes amid heightened concerns over political instability and security challenges across West Africa in recent years.