ECOWAS Parliament Takes Action to Prevent Political Crisis in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia
The ECOWAS Parliament has established a committee to address political crises in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia during its recent meeting in Lagos. Lawmakers expressed the need for proactive measures to protect democracy amid regional instability, focusing on parliamentary diplomacy, early warning systems, and electoral reforms. Key representatives highlighted the importance of leadership in preventing military takeovers, urging collaborative efforts to maintain stability.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament convened in Lagos for its closing session of the 2025 First Extraordinary Meeting, addressing the political crises in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia. A new committee was established to proactively manage the region’s increasing instability, as parliament members expressed their serious apprehensions regarding the situation.
Key figures, including Nigerian Senator Ali Ndume, Gambian Fourth Deputy Speaker Billay Tunkara, and Sierra Leonean MP Saa Emerson Lamina, highlighted the imperative for decisive actions to protect democratic institutions. Senator Ndume noted the crucial role of leadership in averting political turmoil, stating that diminishing public trust in governance can precipitate military interventions. He emphasized, “There’s no better option than democracy. The problem is in leadership. Military takeovers happen when people lose faith in their government.”
Concerns regarding the political tensions in Guinea-Bissau were front and center during the meeting. The incumbent president’s refusal to resign and proceed with elections raised alarms about a potential coup. Hon. Tunkara pointed out the necessity of employing parliamentary diplomacy as a means to address these issues, asserting, “It is high time Parliaments globally advocated for diplomatic solutions. We cannot sit and watch this crisis unfold.”
The newly formed ad hoc committee, which comprises representatives from all member states, has been tasked with taking immediate action. Hon. Lamina echoed the call for strengthening early warning systems, lamenting the current state of governance in West Africa. He remarked, “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.”
Additionally, ECOWAS lawmakers discussed the critical need for electoral reforms, emphasizing the importance of transparency and adherence to governance protocols that member states have previously endorsed. This dialogue represents a vital step toward ensuring stability and democracy across the region.
In conclusion, the ECOWAS Parliament’s initiative to form a committee aimed at addressing the political crises in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia reflects a proactive approach to safeguarding democracy in West Africa. The urgent calls for diplomatic solutions, early warning mechanisms, and electoral reforms indicate a collective recognition of the need to address underlying issues contributing to political instability. Ultimately, the commitment of ECOWAS members to uphold democratic principles is vital for the future stability of the region.
Original Source: dailytrust.com
