ECOWAS Parliament Establishes Committee to Address Political Crisis in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia

The ECOWAS Parliament has formed a committee to address political crises in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia amidst growing instability in the region. Prominent lawmakers stressed the need for strong leadership and proactive measures to safeguard democracy. Discussions also highlighted the importance of electoral reform and parliamentary diplomacy to prevent crises from escalating further.

The ECOWAS Parliament convened recently in Lagos for the closing session of its 2025 First Extraordinary Meeting, where it established a committee aimed at preventing potential political crises in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia. This initiative arose following urgent concerns voiced by parliament members regarding escalating political instability in the region.

Several prominent lawmakers, including Senator Ali Ndume from Nigeria, Gambian Fourth Deputy Speaker Billay Tunkara, and Sierra Leonean MP Saa Emerson Lamina, emphasized the necessity of taking proactive steps to maintain democracy in countries such as Guinea-Bissau, which are on the brink of crises. Senator Ndume particularly pointed out that effective leadership is key to averting military 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 predominantly revolved around the political situation in Guinea-Bissau, where the sitting president has not relinquished power or facilitated elections, stoking fears of potential coups. Hon. Tunkara argued for increased parliamentary diplomacy, underscoring, “It is high time Parliaments globally advocated for diplomatic solutions. We cannot sit and watch this crisis unfold.”

The newly formed ad hoc committee, which includes representatives from all ECOWAS member states, is tasked with implementing immediate interventions to address the situation. Hon. Lamina also called for proactive approaches, lamenting, “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 discussed necessary electoral reforms, reinforcing the importance of transparency and adherence to governance protocols agreed upon by member states, aimed at fostering stability and democratic integrity across the region.

In conclusion, the establishment of a dedicated committee by the ECOWAS Parliament highlights the urgent need to address political instability in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia. With concerns over leadership and the risk of coups, the emphasis on proactive measures and diplomatic solutions reflects the commitment of ECOWAS representatives to sustain democratic values and prevent crises within member states. The focus on electoral reform and governance underscores the organization’s determination to avert the recurrence of instability seen in other regional countries.

Original Source: dailytrust.com