Chairman of ECOWAS Parliament’s Committee on Political Affairs, Peace, Security, and African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), Senator Snowe, has emphasized the urgent need for the sub-regional bloc to address the political situation in Senegal, which has reached an alarming state.
During the first Ordinary Session of 2023 currently taking place in Abuja, Nigeria, Senator Snowe expressed his concerns regarding the treatment of the opposition in Senegal and called on ECOWAS to take a strong stance against such actions. He urged the sub-regional bloc to act decisively to prevent a recurrence of similar situations in other member countries.
Senator Snowe made these remarks while the Commission President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, presented the state of the Community report to the Parliament. This presentation, in accordance with Article 32 of the Supplementary Act enhancing the powers of the Community Parliament, enables Members of Parliament (MPs) to raise critical questions about the developments within the sub-region and propose appropriate measures.
“The state of the Community report presentation offers an opportunity for MPs, as representatives of ECOWAS citizens, to monitor and oversee the implementation of the Community Programmes,” Senator Snowe highlighted.
Furthermore, he commended the cooperative relationship between the ECOWAS Commission and Parliament, acknowledging that the Commission has provided the Parliament with its premises in the face of challenges. However, Senator Snowe emphasized that the Parliament should not neglect its direct responsibilities despite the positive rapport with the Commission.
While expressing concern about constitutional amendments in some sub-regional countries that impact the tenure of ECOWAS MPs, Hon Awaji-Inombek D. Abiante, a member of the Nigerian delegation, underscored the importance of upholding the integrity of parliamentary elections. He urged the Parliament to hold itself accountable and not compromise its obligations.
Hon Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin, the leader of the Ghanaian delegation, announced that Ghana will host the second Extraordinary Session of the Community Parliament in Winneba, Central Region, in September to October 2023. He expressed enthusiasm for welcoming the Parliament for the second time, following the successful hosting of a delocalized meeting and Extraordinary Session in 2022. Hon Markin assured the Parliament and invited guests, including ECOWAS Parliament staff, experts, and the media, that they will experience warm hospitality and create lasting memories in Winneba, the capital of Effutu in the Central Region.
With the ongoing session in Abuja and future sessions in Ghana, the ECOWAS Parliament continues to play a vital role in promoting regional cooperation and addressing pertinent issues affecting the sub-region.