The ECOWAS Parliament convened in Lagos, raising urgent concerns over instability in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia. Lawmakers called for proactive measures to safeguard democracy and established an ad hoc committee for immediate intervention. Emphasizing the need for effective leadership and parliamentary diplomacy, they stressed the importance of electoral reforms and regional unity in the face of growing political crises.
During the conclusion of the 2025 First Extraordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Parliament in Lagos, notable lawmakers including Senator Ali Ndume, Gambian Fourth Deputy Speaker Billay Tunkara, and Sierra Leonean MP Saa Emerson Lamina expressed significant concerns regarding the escalating instability in the region. They highlighted the urgent requirement for proactive measures to protect democracy, particularly in Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone, where political crises pose a substantial threat to stability.
Senator Ndume emphasized that effective leadership is critical in averting unconstitutional takeovers, asserting, “There’s no better option than democracy. The problem is in leadership. Military takeovers happen when people lose faith in their government.” He warned that under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, ECOWAS faces a pivotal challenge in mitigating further instability. The discussions were heavily influenced by tensions in Guinea-Bissau, where the current president’s refusal to resign and conduct elections has sparked fears of a potential coup.
Hon. Tunkara urged for increased parliamentary diplomacy, saying, “It is high time Parliaments globally advocated for diplomatic solutions. We cannot sit and watch this crisis unfold.” In response to these challenges, an ad hoc committee was established with representatives from all member states, tasked with facilitating immediate interventions.
Hon. Lamina also voiced that early warning mechanisms must be implemented, stating, “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.” The discourse extended to the need for electoral reforms, with an emphasis on transparency and compliance with established good governance protocols.
Tunkara noted the advisory nature of the ECOWAS Parliament, stressing that heads of state must take action if Guinea-Bissau disregards recommendations. He cautioned, “If Guinea-Bissau refuses to heed recommendations, the authority of heads of state must step in.” As instability continues to rise, ECOWAS leaders are at a critical juncture in their efforts to secure democracy and foster regional unity.
In conclusion, the establishment of a committee by the ECOWAS Parliament highlights the urgency of addressing political instability in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia. Lawmakers stress the importance of democratic leadership, parliamentary diplomacy, and proactive measures to avert crises. As the situation develops, the role of ECOWAS leaders becomes crucial in fostering stability and adherence to good governance in the region.
Original Source: www.pulse.ng
