West African leaders have called for collective action by all member states to contain the prevailing threats to democracy and the rule of law in the sub-region.
They made their positions known in Abuja during a ceremony organised by the ECOWAS Parliament to mark its 25th anniversary, stressing that the sub-region would not survive the prevailing threats.
Sierra Leone’s President and Chairman, ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Julius Bio, noted that ECOWAS had persistently supported past peace-building efforts, regional cooperation, security, migration and human rights.
He said that Sierra Leone was a major beneficiary of the transformative impact of such past efforts by both the ECOWAS Commission and Parliament.
According to him, member states must rise up and take drastic action by fighting tooth and nail toward ensuring that the current threats to democracy in the sub-region were arrested.
“The challenges before us demand an ECOWAS Parliament to raise a voice and give managerial accommodation. Together, let us reaffirm the commitments that our people have made so far and all possible opportunities.
“ECOWAS Parliament has consistently demonstrated that collaboration is not just desirable but it is indispensable for the progress and stability of our nation.
“As we mark this important milestone, let us also renew our resolve to build on the achievements of the past 25 years,” said Bio, who was represented by his Foreign Minister, Timothy Kabba..
Survival of Democracy
The President of the ECOWAS commission, Dr Omar Touray, urged the Parliament to commit itself to the fight for the survival of democracy in the sub-region.
He stated that after 25 years of existence, the parliament should look forward to a golden jubilee where democracy, rule of law, and human rights are the norms in West Africa rather than tribulations.
“The silver jubilee of ECOWAS Parliament is coming at a time when we are celebrating ECOWAS’ golden Jubilee as a community.
“As we celebrate this silver jubilee, let us take stock of our achievements and progress, as well as our challenges and opportunities into the future.
“We must therefore fight for democratic space, human rights, and rule of law if we want our democracy to survive,” he said.
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Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, said that democracy though challenged, remained the most reliable foundation for sustainable development and peaceful coexistence.
According to him, the parliament plays a critical role in the protection of democracy and inclusivity by supporting peaceful electoral processes across the sub-region.
Jonathan decried the violent extremism in West Africa and solicited for coordinated regional responses in which the Parliament serves as a convener of dialogue and oversight to strengthen collective security in the region.
“The future of our region will not survive in your free will. You must strive to strengthen the foundations of democracy in the sub-region.
“Our region must remain firm against unconstitutional treaties or governments.
“In an era where democracy faces new threats, your role in promoting credible elections, good governance, and a peaceful resolution of disputes is more critical than ever.
“Let the Parliament be the strong voice for political stabilisation and for the principles enshrined in our ECOWAS protocols,” he said.
Former Nigerian Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, said that the sub-region was going through tumultuous times and called for a stronger, more integrated, peaceful, and collaborative approach to address it.
“As our region navigates complex security, economic, and political challenges, the role of this Parliament becomes even more interesting and complicated,” he said.
The parliament’s 25th anniversary coincides with its ongoing two-week 2025 Extraordinary Session, which began on Monday
NAN/Shakirat Sadiq