The Speaker of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, Parliament, Dr Sidie Mohamed Tunis, has urged Republic of Niger’s military rulers to release former President Mohamed Bazoum as a prerequisite for discussing the lifting of regional sanctions.
Dr Tunis made the call during a meeting with a 19-member delegation from the Africa Without Borders organization, who pleaded for the easing of sanctions imposed on Niger after the 26th July coup.
The Speaker of the Community Parliament expressed optimism that the Parliament, alongside Africa Without Borders, could work towards lifting the sanctions.
He even hinted at convening an emergency summit if progress is made.
“Releasing Bazoum and his family would be a significant gesture of goodwill,” Dr Tunis emphasized. “This would open the door for more productive engagement with ECOWAS and pave the way for considering the lifting of sanctions.”
The Speaker acknowledged the importance of citizen diplomacy and assured the delegation of the Parliament’s unwavering support for the people of Niger.
“Our primary concern is the well-being of the people in the region,” Dr Tunis stated. “We understand the hardships caused by the sanctions and urge the junta to prioritize the needs of ordinary citizens.”
The President of Africa Without Borders, Lirwana Abulrahman, painted a stark picture of the sanctions’ impact on ordinary Nigeriens.
He cited food shortages, lack of medication, and disruptions to vital services like electricity and water treatment.
“The people of Niger are suffering,” Abulrahman stressed. “We are not advocating for the junta, but for the millions of innocent citizens caught in the crossfire. We urge the ECOWAS Parliament to recognize their plight and work towards a solution that prioritizes their welfare.”
Meanwhile, the Association of West African Legislative Correspondents (AWALCO) has awarded its maiden merit awards to four distinguished parliamentarians from across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The awardees were recognized for their exceptional commitment, dedication, and contributions to deepening democracy, enhancing the standard of living, and driving quality policy direction within the region.
Dr Sidie Mohamed Tunis the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, from Sierra Leone was giving award in recognition for his openness, accessibility to the press, and relentless pursuit of direct elections, good governance, and regional integration.
Honourable Awaji Abiante, a member of the ECOWAS Parliament from Nigeria, was recognized for his robust and rigorous contributions to parliamentary discourse, intellectual performance, and commitment to engaging in fruitful debates.
Honourable Vilane Abdoulaye, a member of the ECOWAS Parliament from Senegal, was lauded for his passionate and tireless efforts to transform the legislative process and his unwavering dedication to the well-being of citizens in the region.
Meanwhile, Rt. Honourable Fatoumatta Njai, a member of the ECOWAS Parliament from The Gambia, was celebrated as a champion for women’s emancipation and child welfare, and for her instrumental role in securing resources for initiatives that empower women and girls.
Speaking at the award ceremony, AWALCO President Innocent Odoh emphasized the association’s commitment to supporting the ECOWAS Parliament in fulfilling its critical mandate.
He highlighted the importance of collaboration between the media and the legislature in raising awareness, mobilizing citizens, and promoting regional integration.
Mr Odoh further called for the organization of periodic training programs and workshops for AWALCO members to deepen their understanding of parliamentary procedures, administrative measures, and policy issues specific to the ECOWAS Parliament.
According to Mr Odoh, this, he believes, will foster a more informed and effective media corps, better equipped to contribute to the development and progress of the West African region.
The maiden AWALCO merit awards serve as a powerful recognition of the vital role parliamentarians play in shaping the future of West Africa.
By acknowledging and celebrating their achievements, AWALCO hopes to inspire further dedication and commitment from regional lawmakers, ultimately leading to a more prosperous, democratic, and united West Africa.
Hauwa M.
