The ECOWAS Parliament convened to address growing political instability in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia. Lawmakers including Senator Ali Ndume, Hon. Billay Tunkara, and Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina stressed the necessity of leadership to prevent military takeovers and the importance of parliamentary diplomacy. A new ad hoc committee has been created for immediate intervention, emphasizing electoral reforms and proactive measures to uphold democracy and regional unity.
At the conclusion of the First Extraordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Parliament held in Lagos, Nigerian lawmaker Senator Ali Ndume, Gambian Fourth Deputy Speaker Billay Tunkara, and Sierra Leonean MP Saa Emerson Lamina expressed significant concerns regarding increasing instability within the region. They highlighted the urgent necessity for proactive measures to protect democratic principles, particularly in Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone, which are currently facing political turmoil.
Senator Ndume emphasized that effective leadership is crucial in averting unconstitutional government transitions. He remarked, “There’s no better option than democracy. The problem is in leadership. Military takeovers happen when people lose faith in their government.” He also noted that ECOWAS, led by Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, is at a pivotal point regarding the prevention of escalating instability in the region.
Discussions were dominated by the political tensions arising in Guinea-Bissau, particularly concerning the sitting president’s reluctance to step down and conduct elections, which has incited fears of a potential coup. Hon. Billay Tunkara called attention to the significance of parliamentary diplomacy, stating, “It is high time Parliaments globally advocated for diplomatic solutions. We cannot sit and watch this crisis unfold.”
In response to the urgent situation, a new ad hoc committee has been established, consisting of representatives from all ECOWAS member states, tasked with implementing immediate interventions. Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina voiced the need for early warning systems, lamenting the loss of member states like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso due to political volatility. He suggested, “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.”
Lawmakers also discussed the critical importance of electoral reforms, emphasizing the need for transparency and adherence to established governance protocols among member states. Tunkara pointed out that although the ECOWAS Parliament only provides advisory opinions, it is imperative that heads of state enforce compliance to these recommendations. He cautioned, “If Guinea-Bissau refuses to heed recommendations, the authority of heads of state must step in.” With the current climate of instability, the ECOWAS leadership is faced with a defining challenge in maintaining democracy and unity within the region.
The recent actions taken by the ECOWAS Parliament underscore the urgent need to address the rising political tensions in Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone. Through the establishment of a new ad hoc committee and the emphasis on parliamentary diplomacy and proactive measures, ECOWAS aims to safeguard democracy and regional stability. Lawmakers reiterated the importance of leadership and adherence to electoral reforms as crucial steps necessary to avert future crises.
Original Source: www.pulse.ng
