The ECOWAS Parliament convened to address escalating political instability in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia, resulting in the formation of an ad hoc committee for immediate intervention. Key lawmakers emphasized the need for effective leadership and proactive approaches to diplomatic solutions, as well as electoral reforms to enhance governance.
At the conclusion of the 2025 First Extraordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Parliament in Lagos, notable concerns were raised about the escalating instability in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia. Key participants, including Nigerian lawmaker Senator Ali Ndume, Gambian Fourth Deputy Speaker Billay Tunkara, and Sierra Leonean MP Saa Emerson Lamina, underscored the urgent need to safeguard democracy in these regions amid growing political crises.
Senator Ndume emphasized the critical role of leadership in averting unconstitutional seized of power. He articulated, “There’s no better option than democracy. The problem is in leadership. Military takeovers happen when people lose faith in their government.” He further noted that the leadership of Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu faces significant challenges in mitigating ongoing instability.
The discussions were particularly focused on political tensions in Guinea-Bissau, where the incumbent president’s refusal to resign and proceed with elections has sparked fears of a potential coup. Hon. Billay Tunkara highlighted the necessity of parliamentary diplomacy, stating, “It is high time Parliaments globally advocated for diplomatic solutions. We cannot sit and watch this crisis unfold.”
A newly created ad hoc committee, consisting of representatives from all member states, has been formed to implement immediate interventions. Furthermore, Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina stressed the need for proactive measures rather than retroactive responses in addressing political instability, lamenting the exclusion of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS.
Additionally, the ECOWAS lawmakers discussed the importance of electoral reforms, calling for transparency and adherence to governance protocols established by member states. Tunkara warned about the necessity for heads of state to enforce compliance, stating, “If Guinea-Bissau refuses to heed recommendations, the authority of heads of state must step in.” As instability persists, ECOWAS leaders face a pivotal moment in securing democracy and unity across the region.
In summary, the ECOWAS Parliament has taken decisive steps to address the rising political instability in Guinea-Bissau and Liberia by forming a dedicated committee and advocating for proactive measures. The discussions underscored the significance of leadership and parliamentary diplomacy in averting crises, with a focus on electoral reforms and adherence to governance protocols. The actions taken reflect a commitment to strengthening democracy and regional stability.
Original Source: www.pulse.ng
