APA – Lagos (Nigeria)
The Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, Dr, Sidie Tunis, has said that the ECOWAS region is on the right track despite its numerous challenges,
Speaking at the commencement of the Second Ordinary Session for the year 2023, of the ECOWAS Parliament on Wednesday in Abuja, Dr. Tunis emphasized the need for strong democratic institutions, respect for human rights and the rule of law to ensure security and development.
Describing the recent successful Presidential and Legislative elections in Liberia as a sign of progress, Dr Tunis said: “The people of Liberia have shown us that democracy is possible in our region, we can all learn from their example.”
While congratulating Ambassador Joseph Nyumah Boakai on his election as President of Liberia, he also extended warm congratulations to the incumbent President George Manneh Weah for graciously accepting the will of the people.
The Speaker, who expressed concern about the political situation in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger, called for more actions to be taken to address the issues.
According to him, ECOWAS should develop a new and ambitious mechanism for dealing with regional issues.
In his speech, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, called for concrete actions to safeguard democracy and 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.
“We count on your wisdom to help in safeguarding the rights of our people and for the preservation of peace, security, and stability, which are necessary for our socio-economic development and regional integration process,” he said.
Dr Touray disclosed that at the political level, ECOWAS was engaging in dialogue with the Member States in transition, namely Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea, in order to support them to return to normal constitutional order through the organisation of free, transparent and inclusive elections.
“As far as the Republic of Niger is concerned, we adhere to the guidance of the current Chairman of ECOWAS to resolve this crisis through dialogue and negotiation.
“On the security front, the region continues to suffer from attacks by armed groups and terrorists who seriously threaten the territorial integrity of Mali and Burkina Faso, resulting in loss of life, material damage and millions of displaced persons and refugees.
“In this regard, we continue to provide multifaceted support to help these countries face these challenges, despite the sanctions,” he added.
Earlier, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, who was represented by the Deputy Senate President of the Nigerian Senate, Sen. Jibril Barau, called for unity and integration among West African countries.
President Tinubu commended the regional body for the successes recorded in the construction of highways, bridging of the divide between Francophone and Anglophone countries and the establishment of an efficient telephone network.
He also called for African nations to take charge of their own destiny and work together to overcome their challenges.
GIK/APA
Ecowas region on track despite many challenges – Speaker
