The ECOWAS Parliament has formed an ad hoc committee to address political instability in Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone. Key lawmakers voiced concerns about the need for proactive measures to safeguard democracy, stating the importance of leadership in preventing military takeovers. The discussions highlighted parliamentary diplomacy and the necessity for electoral reforms and transparency to maintain stability in the region.
The ECOWAS Parliament convened for its First Extraordinary Meeting in Lagos, where significant attention was drawn to the increasing political instability in Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone. Prominent lawmakers, including Nigerian Senator Ali Ndume, Gambian Fourth Deputy Speaker Billay Tunkara, and Sierra Leonean MP Saa Emerson Lamina, expressed urgent concerns regarding these crises, highlighting the necessity for proactive strategies to safeguard democracy in the region.
Senator Ndume emphasized the vital role of leadership in averting 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.” He warned that the newly elected ECOWAS leadership under Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu faces critical challenges in maintaining stability across member states.
The discussions centered significantly on the escalating political tensions in Guinea-Bissau, particularly around the current president’s reluctance to step down or hold elections, heightening fears of potential coup attempts. Hon. Billay Tunkara emphasized the necessity for parliamentary diplomacy, asserting, “It is high time Parliaments globally advocated for diplomatic solutions. We cannot sit and watch this crisis unfold.”
In response to the pressing situation, an ad hoc committee was established, comprising representatives from all member states to facilitate immediate intervention. Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina stressed the importance of establishing early warning mechanisms, lamenting the exclusion of countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS due to political instability. 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.”
The parliamentarians also discussed the imperative of electoral reforms, underscoring the need for transparency and adherence to governance standards as specified by member states. Tunkara noted that while the ECOWAS Parliament’s role is advisory, it remains essential for heads of state to enforce compliance, warning, “If Guinea-Bissau refuses to heed recommendations, the authority of heads of state must step in.” As instability grows, ECOWAS leaders are at a crucial juncture to ensure the preservation of democracy and regional cohesion.
In summary, the ECOWAS Parliament’s recent initiative to establish an ad hoc committee reflects a proactive approach towards addressing the escalating crises in Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone. Through legislative advocacy and diplomatic solutions, regional leaders are urged to prioritize democracy and prevent unconstitutional disruptions. As political tensions intensify, the spotlight is on ECOWAS to navigate these challenges and reaffirm its commitment to stability and good governance across member states.
Original Source: www.pulse.ng
