The President of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS Commission Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, said the resurgence of coup d’états has challenged the body in several by leading it to reflect on what is not working in their process of consolidating democracy.
He disclosed this while addressing the opening of the 2023 Second Ordinary Session of the Ecowas Parliament in Abuja with a renewed call for regional solidarity and cooperation to consolidate democracy, peace, security and development within the region.
Ecowas Parliament is convening its second ordinary session of 2023 in Abuja to discuss various pressing matters, confronting the sub-region. During the session, community Parliamentarians, among other matters, will deliberate on the Draft Community Consolidated Budget for 2024, and to ensure it is directed at programmes that will impact the sub-region. Members will also discuss progress of the Community’s integration programme.
The Ecowas Commission president commended the leadership and Parliamentarians for making the Parliament visible and relevant to the people.
He said the region continue to suffer from setbacks by armed groups and terrorists, leaving many dead and homeless.
As politicians, he reminded them they are best suited to guide the Ecowas Commission on what must be done to tackle the root causes of all these unconstitutional changes of government.
“We count your wisdom to help in safeguarding the rights of our people and for the preservation of peace, security, and stability, which are necessary for our socio-economic development and regional integration process,” said President Touray.
Speaker of the Ecowas Parliament, Sidie Mohammed Tunis said despite the challenges, the ECOWAS Parliament has delivered on its mandate to address emerging issues that threaten the sub-region. On the political situations in Niger, Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso, Speaker Tunis said the Parliament’s position is always aligned with the Ecowas Commission.
“In the area of democracy and the rule of law, we must accept the reality that the existence of strong democratic institutions, respect for human rights, and the rule of law ultimately determines security and development.
“Our democracy can only thrive if we hold each other accountable for our actions. As a result, we must seek out and cherish what unites us as a region and people,” he said.
Deputy President of the Nigeria Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, was optimistic that the outcome of the session will result in concrete actions for the progress and development of the region and beyond.
“As Parliamentarians, it is crucial you understand that you represent the aspirations and hopes for the people of West Africa, especially those faced with immense hardship,” he said.
In his solidarity messages to the session, the President of Ecowas Court of Justice, Justice Edward Asante expressed dismay over military takeover of governments as he assured that the Community Court stands ready to consolidate democracy, rule of law and good governance.
On his part, the Deputy Speaker of the Sierra Leone National Assembly, Sengepoh Solomon Thomas, applauded the Community Parliament for its work, and urged Parliamentarians to be more proactive in promoting the implementation of protocols and treaties.
