The Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS has condemned the assault of a female parliamentarian, during a parliamentary debate, on the floor of the Senegalese National Assembly.
In a statement by the Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament Dr. Sidie Mohammed Tunis, the Parliament described the attack as a despicable act, unworthy of a parliamentarian from the ECOWAS region.
Dr. Tunis said the parliamentary rascality happened at a time when the region was witnessing a proliferation of initiatives to prevent and eliminate violence against women.
While wishing a speedy recovery to the victim MP, the ECOWAS Parliament urges the Senegalese State, in collaboration with the National Assembly of Senegal to take the necessary steps to ensure that justice is done for this unfortunate event.
The Parliament reiterated its commitment to respect for women, saying that any form of violence against women, under whatever circumstances are unacceptable.
Dr’ Tunis said, Senegal, is a signatory to international legal instruments relating to gender-based violence.
“It is with great dismay and deep indignation that the ECOWAS Parliament has followed the scene of barbaric and despicable violence perpetrated on the Hon. Amy Ndiaye Gniby, Member of the National Assembly of Senegal, on Thursday, 1 st December 2022.
Parliament at a plenary session on 3rd December 2022, during the ongoing 2022 Second Ordinary session, deliberated and adopted a resolution to condemn the despicable act amongst others,” the statement reads in part.
The Speaker said, considering that one of the key goals of the 5th Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament is to strengthen women’s participation in politics and that the action as witnessed is very regrettable as it sends negative impressions of the gains made in the past few years.
The ECOWAS Parliament, according to Dr. Tunis, will continue to support and advocate for increased women’s participation and condemn any act of violence and abuse against women in general.
Confidence Okwuchi
