Nigeria, ECOWAS Set To Bring Back Democratic Rule in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso
The Nigerian Government and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has agreed to partner to restore constitutional order in countries currently under military rule in the region.
President, Muhammad Buhari, who made made the pledge at the official opening of the 2022 Second Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja said, Nigeria remains committed to supporting the regional body to restore democratic rule in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso.
He said, the sustenance of democracy and the rule of law should remain the norm in this promising region.
The Nigerian President added that there will be multiple political activities in some ECOWAS Member States, including Nigeria, where general elections are due to hold in February and March 2022.
“Let me seize this opportunity to reiterate my commitment to free, fair and transparent elections and smooth transitions.
“This is one legacy that I want my administration to bequeath, not only to Nigeria but to the region as a whole. At the regional level, Sierra Leone and Liberia are also preparing for elections.
“As in the past, Nigeria is ready to stand by any country in the region that is committed to organising free and fair elections,” he said.
President Buhari noted that the global economic downturn has deeply affected the economies of the sub-region which resulted to dire economic hardships for the citizens of the Community.
He further urged the regional lawmakers to perform their sacred responsibility of considering the Community budget with diligence while bearing in mind the sacrifice of various countries in the payment of Community Levy as well as remain conscious of the many challenges besieging the region and be sensitive to the needs of the people.
The Chairman, Authority of ECOWAS Head of State and Government, President of Guinea Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embalo expressed reservation over the unconstitutional takeover of government in the region.
He also expressed ECOWAS commitment and determination to ensure that constitutional order is restored in Burkina Faso, Guinea and others, noting that there was need to expand the economy of the region to create more wealth for community members.
On his part, the Speaker, ECOWAS Parliament, Sidie Mohammed Tunis said, the session, otherwise known as the “Budget Session”, mandates the Parliament, in accordance with its Supplementary Act, to consider the Consolidated Community Budget.
He said, the regional legislators have been tasked to ensure that the Budget is directed towards programs that address the needs, aspirations and interests of the people they represent.
“In discharging this all-important assignment, let us bear in mind the challenges we face from urgent and looming crises in our Community.
“We must summon the will, courage and commitment to act in ways that will impact positively our region.
“Permit me to state that as a region, we are confronted with unending chaos and crises, which are threatening the gains we have made in the recent past,” he said.
