The ECOWAS Parliament has condemned the acts of violence in the protest held in Sierra Leone.
The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Sidie Tunis condemned the violent protest at the meeting of the joint committee on Political Affairs, Peace and security and African Peer Review Mechanism, APRM/ Legal Affairs and Human Rights/Social Affairs, Gender and Women Empowerment in Banjul Gambia.
He said ”Many democracies are having difficulties globally, in this present day; these failures are often attributed to the lack of trust and accountability.
“We are seeing regime change and reforms in many parts of the world. In Africa, the fragility of our democracies is caused by electoral abuse, ethnic divisions, mismanagement of natural resources, poverty, and economic insecurity.
“There is a need for political will and action to counter these problems, and these are better achieved through our institutions, it is said that integration is about people, indeed, it is high time our region derives the benefits,” he said
Commendation
The speaker who also commends the people of Senegal for successfully conducting a peaceful parliamentary election on July 31st this year and congratulated all winners at the polls.
He said the regional Parliament looks forward to working with the new Parliament for the good of the sub region.
The Speaker of the Community Parliament, called on all sides in Sierra Leone to adhere to the rule of law, which is the best path to channel and address grievances of every kind.
Mr. Sidie Tunis was represented by the 4th Deputy speaker, Adja Pinto.
The Speaker of the National Assembly of Gambia, Hon Fabakary Jatta in his opening remarks said there is need for proactive intervention to curb insecurity in the region.
He noted that peace and security are the bed rock on which all development thrives.
On his part, Gambian Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Mamadou Tangara urged member states to collectively act swiftly to address the issues of insecurity and promote peace in the region.
He said that nations who share the same destiny, have a moral obligation and a collective responsibility to act swiftly to address all issues hampering the institutional advancement, consolidation of peace, security, and the empowerment of women who are the driving forces of the Region.
“Today, it is immensely gratifying to observe the overwhelming response of all partners and people of goodwill here present to affirm a faith in a common purpose, a common conviction, and a common devotion in the consolidation of Peace, Security and Good Governance and other community achievements,” Tangara said.
The ECOWAS Parliament delocalize meeting which commenced August 16, 2022 is expected to end on August 20, 2022 in Banjul, the capital of Gambia.
