The ECOWAS Parliament has renewed calls for stronger legislative and oversight powers, saying greater institutional authority is necessary to make the regional legislature more representative and responsive to citizens.
The call was made on Tuesday when the Parliament hosted the President of Senegal and Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, during an official visit.
The visit provided an opportunity for the two arms of the Community to reaffirm their commitment to regional integration, democratic governance and the strengthening of ECOWAS institutions.
Welcoming President Faye, Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Memounatou Ibrahima, acknowledged his priorities for the region, particularly collective security, dialogue, regional cohesion, economic sovereignty and political stability.
However, she drew attention to the institutional limitations of the Parliament, established 25 years ago.
“However, 25 years after its creation, the ECOWAS Parliament remains essentially a consultative body and still does not have all the prerogatives of a fully fledged legislative body.”
Ibrahima said strengthening the legislative and oversight functions of the Parliament would enhance the credibility and legitimacy of ECOWAS institutions.
She stressed the need to develop a Parliament that is stronger, more representative and better positioned to contribute to the achievement of the Community’s objectives.
The Speaker also reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to representative democracy, human rights, peace and security, as well as reforms aimed at bringing ECOWAS closer to its citizens.
Responding, President Faye commended the Parliament for its contribution to regional integration, particularly its work in monitoring Community policies, conflict prevention, mediation and the harmonisation of legislation.
The Senegalese President described the ECOWAS Parliament as the “Assembly of the Peoples,” noting its role in promoting democracy, regional dialogue, political stability, peace and social cohesion.
“I would also like to highlight the important role of the ECOWAS Parliament within the sub-region as the Assembly of the Peoples.”
President Faye assured the Parliament of his support as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, particularly in implementing its action plans.
He also accepted an invitation to address the Parliament at a subsequent plenary session, where he is expected to present his vision for the West African region.
Also speaking, Nigeria’s Deputy President of the Senate and First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Barau Jibrin, welcomed the President’s engagement with the regional legislature.
Jibrin said the visit could strengthen interaction between the Parliament and the Heads of State and Government, while supporting efforts to deepen regional integration.
“We greatly appreciate the attention you have devoted to our institution and your commitment to supporting the Parliament.”
He further called for continued efforts to strengthen the role of the Parliament and foster closer relations between ECOWAS institutions and citizens.
The engagement also highlighted the need for adequate resources and stronger institutional support to enable the Parliament to discharge its mandate effectively. It underscored the growing need to strengthen a regional integration process that responds to the aspirations of West African citizens.
EcowasNewsOnline.com
