The ECOWAS Parliament has formed a committee to mitigate political crises in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia following concerns over regional instability. Lawmakers stressed the importance of leadership, parliamentary diplomacy, and electoral reforms to promote democracy and prevent military takeovers. The committee aims for immediate intervention and proactive measures to safeguard political stability in the region.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament convened in Lagos for its 2025 First Extraordinary Meeting, where it established a committee aimed at addressing the escalating political crises in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia. This decision arose from heightened concerns expressed by parliament members regarding the deteriorating political landscape in the region.
Key lawmakers, including Nigerian Senator Ali Ndume, Gambian Fourth Deputy Speaker Billay Tunkara, and Sierra Leonean MP Saa Emerson Lamina, underscored the urgent need for strategic measures to uphold democratic processes. Senator Ndume emphasized the critical role of strong leadership in averting unconstitutional power grabs, stating that democratic leadership is essential to regain public trust and prevent military coups.
Discussions predominantly focused on the political tensions in Guinea-Bissau, particularly the president’s refusal to conduct elections, which has sparked fears of a potential coup. Honorable Tunkara highlighted the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in finding resolutions, urging global parliamentary advocacy for peaceful solutions to emerging crises.
The newly formed ad hoc committee, which includes representatives from all ECOWAS member states, is tasked with prompt intervention to stabilize the situation. Furthermore, Honorable Lamina called for mechanisms that provide early warnings for political instability, advocating for proactive measures rather than reactive responses, lamenting the ongoing crises in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso that have led to their withdrawal from ECOWAS.
Lastly, the ECOWAS lawmakers addressed essential electoral reforms, reiterating the necessity for transparency and adherence to good governance protocols among member states, with a collective aim of strengthening democratic values in the region.
In summary, the ECOWAS Parliament’s establishment of a committee signifies a proactive stance towards mitigating political instability in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia. Lawmakers’ emphasis on leadership, diplomatic engagement, and electoral reforms highlights the urgent need for collaborative efforts to ensure political stability and uphold democratic governance within the region. The focus on early warning mechanisms further demonstrates a commitment to preemptive action against impending crises.
Original Source: dailytrust.com
