The ECOWAS Parliament has formed an ad hoc committee to tackle growing political instability in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia. During the meeting in Lagos, lawmakers highlighted the importance of leadership in preventing crises. They called for diplomatic interventions and electoral reforms to ensure regional stability and adherence to good governance protocols.
During the closing session of the 2025 First Extraordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Parliament in Lagos, lawmakers expressed significant concerns about the rising instability in the region, specifically in Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone. They emphasized the necessity for proactive measures to uphold democracy, particularly in light of political crises threatening stability.
Senator Ali Ndume commented on the pivotal role of leadership in averting unconstitutional transitions of power. He stated, “There’s no better option than democracy. The problem is in leadership. Military takeovers happen when people lose faith in their government,” highlighting the urgency of restoring trust in democratic governance.
The discussions centered on the political situation in Guinea-Bissau, where the current president’s reluctance to resign and conduct elections has heightened worries about a possible coup. Honorable Billay Tunkara advocated for parliamentary diplomacy, stating, “It is high time Parliaments globally advocated for diplomatic solutions. We cannot sit and watch this crisis unfold.”
To address these pressing issues, an ad hoc committee was established, consisting of representatives from all member states, charged with prompt intervention. Similarly, Honorable Saa Emerson Lamina called for the implementation of early warning mechanisms, noting the painful consequences of political instability in countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
ECOWAS lawmakers also tackled the subject of electoral reforms, emphasizing the importance of transparency and commitment to governance protocols. Tunkara remarked, “If Guinea-Bissau refuses to heed recommendations, the authority of heads of state must step in,” underscoring the need for decisive action against noncompliance.
The establishment of an ad hoc committee by the ECOWAS Parliament reflects a proactive approach to addressing the political crises in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia. Lawmakers reaffirm the critical importance of leadership, parliamentary diplomacy, and adherence to democratic principles to mitigate unrest. As regional tensions mount, securing democracy and unity remains a defining challenge for ECOWAS, underscoring the need for swift and effective action from its member states.
Original Source: www.pulse.ng
