ECOWAS Parliament, during a recent meeting, established a committee to tackle growing instability in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia. Key lawmakers stressed the importance of strong leadership and proactive measures for safeguarding democracy. They highlighted the critical nature of political reforms, adherence to governance standards, and the role of parliamentary diplomacy in crisis management.
During the 2025 First Extraordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Parliament in Lagos, lawmakers addressed rising instability in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia. Key figures, including Nigerian Senator Ali Ndume, Gambian Fourth Deputy Speaker Billay Tunkara, and Sierra Leonean MP Saa Emerson Lamina, highlighted the urgent need for proactive measures to protect democracy and prevent unconstitutional government changes.
Senator Ndume emphasized the need for strong leadership, stating that military takeovers often occur when citizens lose confidence in their government. He remarked, “There’s no better option than democracy. The problem is in leadership. Military takeovers happen when people lose faith in their government.”
Concerns regarding political tensions in Guinea-Bissau were particularly pressing, especially with the sitting president’s reluctance to step down and hold elections. Tunkara advocated for active parliamentary diplomacy, declaring that global parliaments must push for diplomatic resolutions to avoid escalating crises.
In response to these challenges, an ad hoc committee with representatives from all member states has been established for immediate interventions. Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina expressed the need for proactive measures and early warning systems to avoid further political instability. He remarked that witnessing former ECOWAS members such as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso fall into instability was disappointing.
The significance of electoral reforms was also discussed, emphasizing transparency and the commitment to good governance protocols previously signed by member states. Tunkara stated that while the ECOWAS Parliament serves an advisory function, it’s crucial for heads of state to enforce adherence to recommendations, especially regarding Guinea-Bissau.
This situation represents a critical period for ECOWAS leaders as they strive to reinforce democracy and uphold regional unity amidst rising crises.
The establishment of the ad hoc committee signifies ECOWAS’s commitment to addressing political crises in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia. Key lawmakers underscored the necessity of strong leadership, proactive diplomacy, and robust electoral reforms to maintain stability and democracy in the region. The discussions reflect a pressing need for adherence to governance protocols to avert further instability.
Original Source: www.pulse.ng
