The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued a stern warning to former Gambian president Yahya Jammeh, saying his recent statements from exile breach the conditions of his asylum and pose a threat to peace and social cohesion in The Gambia.

The warning came at the end of the 68th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, held in Abuja, Nigeria.

Reading highlights of the final communiqué, ECOWAS Commission President Dr Omar Alieu Touray said the Authority was deeply concerned by Jammeh’s pronouncements from Equatorial Guinea.

He stressed that the joint ECOWAS–African Union–United Nations arrangement that facilitated Jammeh’s departure in 2017 did not grant him immunity from accountability for alleged human rights abuses committed during his 22-year rule.

The Authority warned that Jammeh’s actions could undermine peace, security and national cohesion in The Gambia.

Beyond The Gambia, ECOWAS drew a firm line against coups and unconstitutional changes of government, condemning recent takeovers and attempted coups in the sub-region.

The bloc reaffirmed its readiness to deploy the ECOWAS Standby Force to defend constitutional order and warned that targeted sanctions would be imposed on offenders.

ECOWAS condemned what it described as democratic setbacks in Guinea-Bissau and Benin, denouncing the coup in Guinea-Bissau and the attempted coup in Benin.

It praised the swift intervention of regional forces, describing it as a demonstration of collective resolve and solidarity.

On Guinea-Bissau, ECOWAS rejected the military’s proposed transition programme and demanded the immediate release of all political detainees.

The Authority called for a short, inclusive civilian-led transition and authorised the ECOWAS military mission to protect political leaders and national institutions.

Dr Touray said failure to comply with ECOWAS decisions would result in sanctions against individuals or groups obstructing a return to constitutional rule.

The summit also reviewed regional security developments, commended recent elections in Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau, and welcomed preparations for upcoming polls in Benin.

ECOWAS confirmed it will deploy election observers to Guinea ahead of the December 28 polls and signalled changes to the bloc’s institutional leadership as the current Commission’s mandate ends in July 2026.