The ECOWAS Parliament has formed a committee to address political crises in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia amid rising instability concerns. Lawmakers emphasized the importance of leadership and proactive measures to maintain democratic governance. Discussions centered on the threats posed by current political tensions, with calls for enhanced parliamentary diplomacy and electoral reforms.
During its recent extraordinary meeting in Lagos, the ECOWAS Parliament established a committee aimed at preventing political crises in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia. This decision arose from growing concerns among parliament members regarding the region’s instability, particularly highlighting the urgent need for intervention in both nations.
Senator Ali Ndume, along with Gambian Fourth Deputy Speaker Billay Tunkara and Sierra Leonean MP Saa Emerson Lamina, emphasized the importance of proactive measures to protect democratic governance. Senator Ndume remarked on the significance of leadership in avoiding unconstitutional takeovers, stating, “There’s no better option than democracy. The problem is in leadership. Military takeovers happen when people lose faith in their government.”
The discussions were dominated by concerns regarding political tensions in Guinea-Bissau, where the sitting president has resisted stepping down or conducting elections, raising fears of potential coup attempts. Hon. Billay Tunkara called for enhanced parliamentary diplomacy, asserting, “It is high time Parliaments globally advocated for diplomatic solutions. We cannot sit and watch this crisis unfold.”
The newly constituted ad hoc committee will include representatives from all member states and is tasked with implementing immediate interventions. Hon. Lamina highlighted the necessity for early warning systems, expressing concern that, “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.” Furthermore, the lawmakers reiterated the significance of electoral reforms and the importance of adhering to good governance protocols established by member states.
The ECOWAS Parliament’s decisive actions reflect their commitment to addressing growing political instability in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia. Establishing a dedicated committee underscores the urgency for intervention and reform to safeguard democracy in the region. Ongoing discussions stress the importance of proactive leadership, early warning mechanisms, and promoting transparency in governance, all of which are vital in preventing further crises.
Original Source: dailytrust.com
