The ECOWAS Parliament has renewed its call for stronger legislative and oversight powers, saying greater authority would help make the regional institution more representative, effective and responsive to the people of West Africa.
The call was made on Tuesday during a visit to the Parliament by Senegalese President and Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye.
Receiving the Senegalese leader, Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Memounatou Ibrahima, highlighted several of his priorities for the region, including collective security, dialogue, regional unity, economic sovereignty and political stability.
She, however, noted that despite being established 25 years ago, the ECOWAS Parliament still operates largely in a consultative capacity and does not yet enjoy the full powers expected of a legislative institution.
“However, 25 years after its creation, the ECOWAS Parliament remains essentially a consultative body and, up to this point, does not have all the prerogatives of a fully fledged legislative body,” Ibrahima said.
According to her, expanding the Parliament’s legislative and oversight responsibilities would strengthen the credibility and legitimacy of ECOWAS institutions while giving the regional legislature a more meaningful role in addressing issues affecting citizens.
She called for a stronger and more representative Parliament capable of playing a greater role in advancing the objectives of the regional bloc.
Nigeria’s Deputy President of the Senate and First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Barau Jibrin, also welcomed the visit, describing it as an opportunity to deepen engagement between the regional legislature and the bloc’s Heads of State and Government.
Barau stressed the importance of continued efforts to strengthen the Parliament and build closer relationships between ECOWAS institutions and citizens across the region.
In his response, President Faye commended the Parliament for its contribution to regional integration, particularly through its involvement in monitoring Community policies, preventing conflicts, supporting mediation efforts and promoting the harmonisation of legislation among member states.
The Senegalese President described the ECOWAS Parliament as the “Assembly of the Peoples,” highlighting its importance in promoting democracy, regional dialogue, political stability, peace and social cohesion.
Faye also pledged his support to the Parliament in his capacity as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, particularly in advancing its proposed plans of action.
He further accepted an invitation to address the Parliament during a future plenary session, where he is expected to outline his vision for the future of the West African region.
