ECOWAS Parliament Forms Committee to Mitigate Crises in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia

The ECOWAS Parliament has formed a committee to address the crises in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia, highlighting the urgent need for leadership and diplomatic solutions. Senators expressed concerns about political instability and the threats to democracy, particularly emphasizing the necessity for electoral reforms and proactive measures. The committee aims for immediate intervention to stabilize the region.

The ECOWAS Parliament has established a committee during its closing session of the 2025 First Extraordinary Meeting held in Lagos to address the escalating crises in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia. Concerns were raised by Nigerian Senator Ali Ndume, Gambian Fourth Deputy Speaker Billay Tunkara, and Sierra Leonean MP Saa Emerson Lamina regarding the troubling trend of instability within the region, particularly emphasizing the importance of safeguarding democracy.

Senator Ndume remarked on the necessity of effective leadership in curbing unconstitutional takeovers. He noted, “There’s no better option than democracy. The problem is in leadership. Military takeovers happen when people lose faith in their government.” He further asserted that President Bola Tinubu’s leadership will be crucial in mitigating impending instability in the region.

The discussions highlighted the political strife besieging Guinea-Bissau, where tensions are mounting due to the sitting president’s refusal to resign and hold elections, prompting fears of potential coup attempts. Hon. Billay Tunkara emphasized the critical role of parliamentary diplomacy, insisting, “It is high time Parliaments globally advocated for diplomatic solutions. We cannot sit and watch this crisis unfold.”

The newly constituted ad hoc committee includes representatives from all ECOWAS member states and is expected to intervene promptly in the crisis. Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina advocated for proactive early warning mechanisms, expressing concern over the exodus of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS due to similar instabilities. “We should not be retroactive but proactive,” he stated, reflecting on the vision of the founding fathers of the organization.

The lawmakers also discussed necessary electoral reforms, underscoring the critical need for transparency and strict adherence to governance protocols. Tunkara highlighted that while the ECOWAS Parliament serves an advisory capacity, compliance enforcement ultimately depends on heads of state. He warned, “If Guinea-Bissau refuses to heed recommendations, the authority of heads of state must step in.”

As the situation in the region becomes increasingly unstable, ECOWAS leaders find themselves at a pivotal moment in their efforts to preserve democracy and uphold regional unity.

In conclusion, the creation of a committee by the ECOWAS Parliament demonstrates a proactive approach to address the pressing issues in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia. The emphasis on leadership, parliamentary diplomacy, and electoral reforms underlines the need for collaborative efforts to ensure stability. With persistent political tensions, the commitment of ECOWAS leaders is essential for maintaining democracy and regional integrity in West Africa.

Original Source: www.pulse.ng