The ECOWAS Parliament convened in Lagos, addressing instability in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia. Key lawmakers emphasized the importance of proactive leadership and parliamentary diplomacy, voicing a call for immediate interventions through a newly formed committee. Concerns included political tensions and electoral reforms, underscoring the necessity for adherence to democratic principles and governance standards.
The ECOWAS Parliament convened for its 2025 First Extraordinary Meeting in Lagos, where lawmakers including Nigerian Senator Ali Ndume, Gambian Deputy Speaker Billay Tunkara, and Sierra Leonean MP Saa Emerson Lamina voiced significant concerns regarding the escalating instability in Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone. They underscored the importance of taking proactive measures to protect democracy amid the political crises threatening these nations.
Senator Ndume highlighted the critical role of effective leadership in preventing unconstitutional government takeovers. He stated that, “There’s no better option than democracy. The problem is in leadership. Military takeovers happen when people lose faith in their government.” He expressed that under Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, ECOWAS faces a substantial challenge in mitigating further instability in the region.
The discussions prominently featured worries surrounding political tensions in Guinea-Bissau, particularly the current president’s refusal to step down or conduct elections, raising fears of a potential coup. Hon. Billay Tunkara emphasized the necessity for parliamentary diplomacy, stating, “It is high time Parliaments globally advocated for diplomatic solutions. We cannot sit and watch this crisis unfold.”
An ad hoc committee comprising representatives from all ECOWAS member states has been established for immediate action. Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina echoed calls for the implementation of early warning systems, affirming, “We should not be retroactive but proactive. It’s painful to see countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso out of ECOWAS due to political instability. This was not the dream of our founding fathers.”
Moreover, ECOWAS lawmakers discussed the imperative need for electoral reforms, reaffirming transparency and adherence to good governance. Tunkara remarked that while the ECOWAS Parliament has an advisory capacity, the heads of state must enforce compliance with recommendations, warning that, “If Guinea-Bissau refuses to heed recommendations, the authority of heads of state must step in.” As regional instability increases, ECOWAS leaders are confronted with the crucial task of upholding democracy and reestablishing unity within the region.
The ECOWAS Parliament’s establishment of an ad hoc committee exemplifies a proactive approach to counteract the rising instability in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia. The discussions articulated by lawmakers highlight the urgency of strong leadership, diplomatic interventions, and the need for electoral reforms to ensure transparency and good governance. As ECOWAS leaders navigate these challenges, their commitment to safeguarding democracy and regional stability will be pivotal.
Original Source: www.pulse.ng
