West African leaders have urged member states to confront rising threats to democracy and the rule of law across the sub-region, warning that the challenges could undermine regional stability.
The call was made in Abuja at an event organised by the ECOWAS Parliament to mark its 25th anniversary.
Sierra Leone’s President and Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Julius Bio, said the gains made over the years in peace-building, regional cooperation, security, migration, and human rights were now under serious strain.
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Bio, represented by his Foreign Minister, Timothy Kabba, stressed that the region must “fight tooth and nail” to counter the threats facing democratic governance.
He added that Sierra Leone had benefited significantly from ECOWAS interventions and urged the Parliament to raise its voice in defending democratic institutions.
ECOWAS Commission Calls for Renewed Commitment
Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, called on the Parliament to recommit itself to the protection of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
He noted that the silver jubilee of the ECOWAS Parliament coincided with the community’s 50th anniversary, making it an important moment to evaluate progress and address persistent challenges.
Touray said democratic space must be defended if the region hopes to overcome recurring political instability.
Parliament Urged to Champion Peace
Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Mémounatou Ibrahima, said the institution had reached a level of maturity that requires reflection on its achievements and the difficulties ahead.
She stated that the Parliament’s mediation missions in politically tense member states demonstrated that peace depended on “just, credible, and inclusive institutions.”
Jonathan, Osinbajo Call for Stronger Safeguards
Former President Goodluck Jonathan said that despite its challenges, democracy remained the most reliable foundation for development and peaceful coexistence. He called for stronger regional coordination to tackle violent extremism.
Jonathan urged the Parliament to defend credible elections, good governance, and peaceful dispute resolution.
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo described the region as being in “tumultuous times” and called for deeper cooperation to address political, economic, and security challenges.
The 25th anniversary celebration coincides with the ECOWAS Parliament’s ongoing two-week Extraordinary Session, which began on Monday.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.