The Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has begun its Second Ordinary Session for the year 2023, with a call for increased regional solidarity and self-reliance to address the region’s challenges.
The plenary will also discuss critical issues such as regional economy, democracy, and security.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Sidie Tunis, Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, emphasised the importance of regional solidarity and cooperation in addressing the region’s challenges.
He emphasized the need for strong democratic institutions, respect for human rights, and the rule of law to ensure security and development.
Dr Tunis expressed confidence that the ECOWAS region was on the right track despite its numerous challenges,
The Speaker of the Community Parliament pointed to the recent successful Presidential and Legislative elections in the Republic of Liberia as a sign of progress.
“The people of Liberia have shown us that democracy is possible in our region, we can all learn from their example”, according to Dr Tunis.
Dr Tunis commended the people of Liberia for their commitment to democracy, following the recent successful presidential and legislative elections.
He also congratulated Ambassador Joseph Nyumah Boakai on his election as President of Liberia and extended warm congratulations to the incumbent President George Manneh Weah for graciously accepting the will of the people.
Expressing concern about the political situation in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the speaker urged for more to be done to address the issues.
He emphasised the need for ECOWAS to develop a new and ambitious mechanism for dealing with regional issues.
Dr Tunis noted that the region’s prosperity and security are inextricably linked to its members shared responsibility to look out for one another.
Tunis also praised the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government for its leadership in sustaining peace and security in the West African region.
The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, in his speech called for concrete actions to safeguard democracy and to restore the region as the bastion of democracy in Africa.
He noted that the coups in the Republic of Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea have created fears that democracy could be in danger in the region.
