By Joy Omagha Idam
The ECOWAS Parliament recently marked its 25th anniversary, with leaders from West Africa calling for urgent action to address threats to democracy and the rule of law in the sub-region.
In his address, Sierra Leone’s President Julius Bio, who is the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, emphasized the need for member states to take drastic action to combat the current threats to democracy.
He noted that ECOWAS had consistently supported peace-building efforts, regional cooperation, security, migration, and human rights, and that Sierra Leone had benefited significantly from these efforts.
“The challenges before us demand an ECOWAS Parliament to raise a voice and give managerial accommodation,” Bio said, represented by his Foreign Minister, Timothy Kabba. “Together, let us reaffirm the commitments our people have made so far and the opportunities that remain.”
Dr Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, urged the Parliament to commit itself to the fight for the survival of democracy in the sub-region. “We must therefore fight for democratic space, human rights, and rule of law if we want our democracy to survive,” he said.
The Speaker of the Parliament, Mémounatou Ibrahima, reflected on the Parliament’s past milestones and contemporary challenges, emphasizing the importance of just, credible, and inclusive institutions for peace.
Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan stressed the critical role of the Parliament in protecting democracy and promoting peaceful electoral processes.
He called for coordinated regional responses to address violent extremism and urged the Parliament to be a strong voice for political stabilization and the principles enshrined in ECOWAS protocols.
Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, former Nigerian Vice President, noted that the sub-region is going through tumultuous times and called for a stronger, more integrated, peaceful, and collaborative approach to address them.
Highlight of the night was awards of Plaque to deserving leaders and and Cultural displays of Africa’s Rich heritage. It was indeed a night of grandeur , a night to remember as some of the VIPs could not help but climb the stage and danced to the rhythm.
