The ECOWAS Parliament has taken decisive action by forming a committee to address potential political crises in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia. Prominent legislators emphasized the urgency of safeguarding democracy and the need for parliamentary diplomacy to avert coups and instability. They advocated for immediate interventions and electoral reforms to ensure transparency and good governance.
During its recent closing session of the 2025 First Extraordinary Meeting in Lagos, the ECOWAS Parliament established a committee aimed at mitigating potential political crises in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia. Members expressed grave concerns over the escalation of instability within the region, highlighting the necessity for decisive actions to uphold democratic principles.
Prominent parliamentarians, including Nigerian Senator Ali Ndume, Gambian Deputy Speaker Billay Tunkara, and Sierra Leonean MP Saa Emerson Lamina, underscored the importance of proactive measures in preserving democracy. Senator Ndume remarked, “There’s no better option than democracy. The problem is in leadership. Military takeovers happen when people lose faith in their government.”
Senator Ndume further noted that under the guidance of Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, ECOWAS faces significant challenges in averting further unrest. The situation in Guinea-Bissau emerged as a key concern, particularly due to the sitting president’s refusal to resign and organize elections, which has raised alarms regarding a potential coup.
Honorable Tunkara emphasized the need for parliamentary diplomacy, stating, “It is high time Parliaments globally advocated for diplomatic solutions. We cannot sit and watch this crisis unfold.” In response to this mandate, the newly formed ad hoc committee, encompassing representatives from all member nations, has been assigned to address immediate concerns regarding political stability.
Echoing the call for proactive measures, Honorable Lamina advocated for early intervention mechanisms. He expressed his dismay over the political turbulence that has led to the exclusion of countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS, reflecting the aspirations of the organization’s founders. Additionally, ECOWAS lawmakers have reaffirmed the urgency of implementing electoral reforms that uphold transparency and adherence to governance protocols among member states.
In conclusion, the establishment of a committee by the ECOWAS Parliament signifies a pivotal step toward addressing the increasing political unrest in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia. Through proactive measures and parliamentary diplomacy, ECOWAS seeks to safeguard democratic processes and prevent further instability in the region. The collective resolve among parliamentarians underscores a commitment to fostering a sustainable political environment, essential for the prosperity and stability of West Africa.
Original Source: dailytrust.com
