55
By Lizzy Chirkpi
The 2025 Second Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) parliament opened in Abuja on Monday with an unusually forceful charge for democratic resilience, security reform, financial accountability and deeper regional integration, as the institution marks its 25th anniversary.
Standing in for Speaker Rt. Hon. Mémounatou Ibrahima, First Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Jibrin Barau delivered a message that set a firm tone for the two-week session, insisting that West Africa must confront its political instability and governance weaknesses with renewed unity and courage.
Barau said the gathering was more than a statutory meeting; it was “a collective commitment to the ideals of regional cooperation, peace and democratic governance,” adding that lawmakers must rise to their responsibility to defend the interests and well-being of West Africans.
He emphasised that the session’s agenda including scrutiny of the 2026 Community Budget, critical legal reforms, key committee reports and the Parliament’s silver jubilee as to the decisive role the institution must now play in shaping the region’s future.
Reflecting on 25 years of the ECOWAS Parliament, Barau said the anniversary was both celebratory and sobering.
“For a quarter of a century, our Parliament has stood as a symbol of the people’s representation at the regional level,” he said, praising the “visions and courage” of the institution’s founders.
But he added that the milestone must also inspire a deeper push for cohesion, unity and citizen inclusion across Member States.
“As we reflect solemnly on the history of the Parliamentary Institution, this 25th Anniversary celebration is a moment to reflect on the progress we have made, the strength of our values and the prospects for our future,” he noted.
Barau urged lawmakers to deploy “diligence, courage and foresight” in examining the draft Community Budget, stressing the mandate of Article 17 of the Supplementary Act which empowers Parliament to propose amendments.
“We must ensure that resources are directed towards programs that foster stability, development, and improve the well-being of our people,” he said.
He also called for rigorous debate on key legal texts, including reforms to strengthen the ECOWAS Court of Justice and new frameworks on public debt management and accounting standards.
“A careful study of these texts is crucial for deepening our integration and ensuring the stability of our sub-region,” he warned.
Barau’s speech struck a careful balance between commendation and condemnation as he assessed the region’s political developments.
He praised Côte d’Ivoire for a peaceful presidential election and applauded Guinea’s preparation for its first post-transition polls, describing the country’s commitment to the ECOWAS roadmap as “courageous and inspiring.”
However, he delivered a sharp rebuke to Guinea-Bissau following its recent coup attempt.
“This attempted subversion of the people’s will… cannot be tolerated,” he declared.
“In line with ECOWAS’ principle of zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government, I strongly condemn the unlawful seizure of power in Guinea-Bissau.”
He reaffirmed Parliament’s alignment with the decisions of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, insisting that the people’s mandate “must be respected.”
Despite notable democratic gains, Barau said West Africa faces a formidable array of challenges including insecurity, economic hardship, climate impacts and fragile political transitions.
“These challenges call for collective actions,” he said, stressing that ECOWAS must adopt coordinated and united responses rooted in the principles of integration.
“As the representative body of the people of West Africa, the ECOWAS Parliament must continue to assume its leadership role in formulating solutions, promoting dialogue, inclusive governance and supporting our Member States.”
Barau also pointed out recent engagements with global partners from Geneva to Istanbul, Tangier, Jerusalem and the European Parliament arguing that such interactions reinforce West Africa’s voice in international diplomacy.
On his closing remarks, Barau urged lawmakers to recommit themselves to the region’s collective aspirations.
“As we begin this Session, let us renew our commitment to building a West Africa where democracy thrives, where peace is sustainable, and our people prosper in unity and dignity,” he said.
He then declared the 2025 Second Ordinary Session officially open, marking the start of deliberations expected to influence ECOWAS’ political and economic direction in the coming yea