A key meeting of West African leaders has begun in the Ghanaian capital, Accra, following several coups in the region as well as worsening instability as a result of jihadist violence.

The Economic Community of West African States, or Ecowas, has just sent two delegations to Burkina Faso after the military seized power there last month.

The 15-member bloc has suspended Burkina Faso’s membership.

Over the last year Ecowas has imposed sanctions on Mali and Guinea following coups there and a reluctance by the military leaders to restore civilian rule.

Adding to the region’s turmoil was a gun attack on Tuesday on the president of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embaló. Officials described that as an attempt to seize power.