ECOWAS Parliament has formed a committee to address political instability in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia. Key lawmakers highlighted the urgent need for leadership, democracy, and early intervention through parliamentary diplomacy. Concerns over electoral reforms and member states’ adherence to governance protocols were emphasized to avert crises and coups. The actions taken now will define ECOWAS’s ability to maintain stability in the region.
During the 2025 First Extraordinary Meeting in Lagos, the ECOWAS Parliament established a committee to address political crises in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia. Prominent lawmakers, including Senator Ali Ndume from Nigeria and Billay Tunkara from Gambia, expressed concerns over increasing instability in the region, emphasizing the necessity for actions to protect democratic frameworks.
Senator Ndume highlighted that effective leadership is critical to prevent 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.” He underscored the challenge facing ECOWAS under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership to avert further turmoil.
Political tensions surrounding the refusal of Guinea-Bissau’s president to resign and conduct elections raised worries of a coup attempt. Hon. Billay Tunkara called for parliamentary diplomacy, saying, “It is high time Parliaments globally advocated for diplomatic solutions. We cannot sit and watch this crisis unfold.” The newly formed committee, made up of representatives from all member states, is expected to act swiftly in response to the crisis.
Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina insisted on the importance of early warning systems to prevent instability, lamenting the exclusion of countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS. He said, “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.”
The ECOWAS lawmakers also discussed the necessity for electoral reforms, emphasizing transparency and commitment to good governance protocols by member states. Tunkara reiterated that while the ECOWAS Parliament holds an advisory role, it is imperative for heads of state to ensure compliance, stating, “If Guinea-Bissau refuses to heed recommendations, the authority of heads of state must step in.” This situation presents ECOWAS leaders with a crucial opportunity to foster democratic governance and maintain regional stability.
The establishment of a committee by the ECOWAS Parliament aims to tackle mounting political crises in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia, as lawmakers advocate for strong leadership, democratic principles, and early intervention. The focus on parliamentary diplomacy, electoral reforms, and proactivity emphasizes the importance of collaboration among member states in safeguarding democracy. As ECOWAS grapples with these challenges, the proactive measures taken will significantly influence the region’s stability and governance.
Original Source: www.pulse.ng
