ECOWAS Parliament Establishes Committee to Address Crises in Guinea-Bissau, Liberia

The ECOWAS Parliament has formed a committee to address political crises in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia. Lawmakers, including Senator Ndume and Hon. Tunkara, stressed the need for proactive leadership and electoral reforms. They called for immediate action to prevent military takeovers and ensure compliance with democratic norms. The focus is on securing stability in the region amidst growing political tensions.

The ECOWAS Parliament has established a committee aimed at averting potential crises in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia, following urgent deliberations at its 2025 First Extraordinary Meeting in Lagos. Prominent lawmakers including Senator Ali Ndume from Nigeria, Gambian Fourth Deputy Speaker Billay Tunkara, and Sierra Leonean MP Saa Emerson Lamina have raised alarming concerns regarding the increasing instability in the region. They stressed the necessity for immediate actions to protect democratic governance, especially amid threatening political situations in Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone.

Senator Ndume emphasized the importance of effective leadership in thwarting unconstitutional seizures of power, asserting, “There’s no better option than democracy. The problem is in leadership. Military takeovers happen when people lose faith in their government.” He also underscored that under the guidance of Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, ECOWAS must confront the persistent threats to stability head-on.

The discussions prominently featured the political turmoil in Guinea-Bissau, specifically concerns surrounding the sitting president’s refusal to resign and facilitate forthcoming elections. Hon. Billay Tunkara advocated for proactive parliamentary diplomacy, stating, “It is high time Parliaments globally advocated for diplomatic solutions. We cannot sit and watch this crisis unfold.”

The newly constituted ad hoc committee, which includes representatives from all ECOWAS member states, is charged with taking immediate measures to manage the crisis. Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina reinforced the necessity for early warning systems, highlighting, “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.”

During the sessions, ECOWAS legislators called attention to the criticality of electoral reforms, insisting on the transparency and adherence to governance protocols established by member nations. Tunkara pointedly remarked that while the ECOWAS Parliament holds an advisory capacity, it is imperative for heads of state to implement necessary actions if Guinea-Bissau does not comply with recommendations, warning, “If Guinea-Bissau refuses to heed recommendations, the authority of heads of state must step in.”

In conclusion, the challenges faced by ECOWAS leaders at this juncture are pivotal to maintaining democracy and regional integrity. The newly formed committee symbolizes a concerted effort to address political crises and uphold governance principles across member states, underlining a collective commitment to stability and peace in West Africa.

The establishment of the ad hoc committee by the ECOWAS Parliament represents a significant step toward addressing the escalating crises in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia. Lawmakers have underscored the necessity of proactive measures, parliamentary diplomacy, and adherence to democratic principles. As ECOWAS grapples with regional instability, the commitment to reforms and effective leadership remains crucial for fostering lasting peace and unity within West Africa.

Original Source: www.pulse.ng