ECOWAS leaders emphasize the need for regional unity following the exit of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from the organization. Speaker Hadja Memounatou Ibrahim and other officials call for continued cooperation and reflection on ECOWAS’s goals. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu urges member states to reinforce regional integration and address challenges through collective action. The discussions highlight the community’s aspiration for a stable and prosperous West Africa as it celebrates significant anniversaries.
Hadja Memounatou Ibrahim, the Speaker of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, recently emphasized the need for enhanced regional unity among member nations in light of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso’s withdrawal from ECOWAS in January 2024. Speaking at a seminar celebrating ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary and the Parliament’s 25th, she urged continued bilateral relations with these countries and called for reflection on the community’s goals and governance.
Ibrahim noted significant political and security challenges in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, which have influenced their decision to exit. She characterized this withdrawal not as a rejection of shared values but as an opportunity for strengthening dialogue and cooperation. Moreover, she welcomed the ECOWAS Heads of State’s decision to grant a transition period for this exit, aiming to maintain community cohesion amidst the changes.
Senator Jibrin Barau commended President Bola Tinubu for his exemplary leadership and dedication to West Africa’s progression while emphasizing the significance of cooperation among ECOWAS member states. Additionally, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged member nations to recommit to regional integration and work towards an equitable and prosperous West Africa.
Sanwo-Olu underscored the importance of enhancing institutions to ensure effectiveness and inclusivity, advocating for the removal of trade barriers and fostering peace through dialogue. Highlighting Lagos’s role as an economic and cultural hub, he emphasized the necessity of collective action to tackle regional challenges, including climate change and development.
Reflecting on the theme of the parliamentary seminar, Sanwo-Olu reiterated that ECOWAS serves as a noteworthy model of cooperation and progress in West Africa. He recognized the Parliament’s pivotal role in advocating for regional policies and addressing the challenges faced by citizens. Through promoting integration and dialogue, both ECOWAS and its Parliament have fundamentally shaped West Africa’s trajectory over the past decades.
In conclusion, the recent discussions surrounding ECOWAS have highlighted the importance of regional unity and cooperation, especially in light of recent political changes in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Leaders have called for renewed commitment to collaboration and integration among member states, emphasizing the need for a united front to face shared challenges. The ongoing celebration of ECOWAS’s history serves as a reminder of the collective aspirations of West Africa for a peaceful and prosperous future.
Original Source: www.arise.tv
