ECOWAS Parliament Forms Committee to Address Political Instability in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia
The ECOWAS Parliament has established a committee to address the escalating political crises in Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone. Lawmakers, including Senator Ndume and Hon. Tunkara, stressed the importance of proactive measures and parliamentary diplomacy to ensure stability. They discussed the necessity of electoral reforms and the enforcement of governance protocols by heads of state, as ECOWAS faces critical challenges in maintaining democracy in the region.
During the 2025 First Extraordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Parliament in Lagos, prominent lawmakers, including Senator Ali Ndume from Nigeria, Fourth Deputy Speaker Billay Tunkara from Gambia, and MP Saa Emerson Lamina from Sierra Leone, raised alarms regarding increasing instability in the region. They underscored the necessity for immediate and proactive measures to safeguard democratic governance, particularly concerning Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone, where existing political crises pose a significant threat to stability.
Senator Ndume emphasized the critical function of leadership in averting unconstitutional regime changes, stating, “There’s no better option than democracy. The problem is in leadership. Military takeovers happen when people lose faith in their government.” He articulated that under President Bola Tinubu’s jurisdiction, ECOWAS faces formidable challenges in curbing further unrest in these nations.
Discussions at the meeting predominantly focused on the elevated political tensions in Guinea-Bissau. The president’s refusal to vacate office and hold elections has ignited fears of an imminent coup. Hon. Billay Tunkara advocated for increased parliamentary diplomacy, declaring, “It is high time Parliaments globally advocated for diplomatic solutions. We cannot sit and watch this crisis unfold.”
The establishment of a newly formed ad hoc committee, consisting of representatives from all ECOWAS member states, aims to address these challenges swiftly. Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina also underscored the necessity of implementing early warning systems, expressing regret over the exit of countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS due to political turmoil, asserting, “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 lawmakers also discussed the importance of electoral reforms, emphasizing transparency and adherence to the governance protocols already agreed upon by member states. Tunkara clarified that while the ECOWAS Parliament serves an advisory function, it is imperative that heads of state ensure compliance with recommendations, warning that, “If Guinea-Bissau refuses to heed recommendations, the authority of heads of state must step in.”
As the prospects for stability hang in the balance, ECOWAS leaders are faced with a pivotal opportunity to foster democratic resilience and strengthen regional cohesion.
In conclusion, the ECOWAS Parliament’s recent meeting highlighted the urgent need to address rising instability in Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone. Lawmakers unanimously advocated for proactive measures, underscoring the vital roles of leadership and diplomatic engagement in maintaining democratic governance. The formation of an ad hoc committee signifies a collaborative approach towards averting crises and upholding regional unity, reflecting the pressing need for electoral reforms and adherence to good governance protocols. Ultimately, ECOWAS must navigate these complexities to safeguard democracy and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.pulse.ng
