The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament is considering the establishment of an Adhoc Mediation Committee to persuade Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to reconsider their departure from the regional bloc and rejoin the other member nations.
At the opening of the 2024 Second Extraordinary Session of the Sixth Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament in Kano State, Acting Speaker Barau Jibrin, who is also the Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, emphasized the importance of a unified regional bloc. He announced plans to propose the formation of a committee to engage all stakeholders in encouraging the three countries to reverse their decision and work towards resolving conflicts in the region through dialogue.
The promotion of democracy, checks and balances, and accountability in the ECOWAS Community relies on a strong ECOWAS Parliament. Leading this Parliament for a brief two months has highlighted the necessity of asserting its independence in parliamentary oversight and representation. Collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission is essential for regional security and development initiatives.
While each institution has distinctive roles, enhanced collaboration is crucial for addressing common issues. The Togo delegation to the parliament is expected to be sworn in before the session ends. A fact-finding mission to Togo clarified the absence of their delegation and the impending inauguration of Togolese members. Since its inception, the sixth ECOWAS Parliament legislature has achieved milestones in regional programs. Senator Ali Ndume mentioned the return of departing members to the parliament, signalling a resolution following the condemnation of the Niger coup.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf highlighted the importance of addressing citizenship, security, integration, environmental challenges, and economic issues within ECOWAS. He urged revisiting a common currency and passports for economic growth. The Regional Parliament was urged to combat illicit drugs and arms proliferation by Governor Yusuf. Despite challenges, the region’s GDP reached $633 billion in 2023, showcasing its economic potential.
The Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated support for the ECOWAS Parliament, emphasizing its role in regional integration and democracy. Collaboration among ECOWAS institutions is crucial for achieving regional goals and engaging countries with unconstitutional changes of government.
Jibrin stressed the necessity of a united, peaceful, and secure ECOWAS for collective aspirations. Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso had previously withdrawn from ECOWAS in January, following their suspension due to coup d’état activities. The upcoming session aims to address key issues in the ECOWAS Region and offer recommendations on achieving peace, security, and stability.
Tuggar said, “As regional Parliamentarians, you have a role to play in harnessing the cooperation of our people. The Parliamentarians are closer to our populace and that is why you have to underscore the importance of the role you are occupying today, especially in this period where our sub-regional organization is so much challenged with numerous issues.”
He described the hosting of the regional meeting in the commercial city of Kano as important as it will greatly bridge the gap between the citizens and the regional community.
During this session, the regional parliament is expected to hold deliberations and adopt three very important instruments which bear heavily on the progress and effective implementation of our mandate.
They are the Rules of Procedure of the Sixth Legislature, which was deferred from our Inaugural session. The Strategic Plan of the Sixth Legislature, and The Work Plan of the year 2024.
The Rules of Procedure serve as a guide and direction for the parliament in checking procedural deficiencies.
The Strategic Plan, on the other hand, serves as a crucial and indispensable tool in ensuring that the programs and activities of the parliament are directly linked with the overall strategic institutional objectives of ECOWAS, while the Work Plan sets the agenda for the engagements the year.
Five parliamentarians were sworn as members of the regional parliament at the opening of the session by the acting speaker of the parliament, Senator Jibrin.
The ceremony was attended by the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, the Emir of Bichi, Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero, the Emir Karaye, Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar II and Emir of Gaya, Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim.
