The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Memounatou Ibrahima, has called for immediate reforms within the regional body to address the growing crisis affecting West Africa.
She said there is a need for modernization as the region grapples with pressing issues such as terrorism, floods, violent extremism, and irregular migration.
Speaking at the 2024 Third Extraordinary Session and Second Parliamentary Seminar in Lomé, Togo, Ibrahima noted the urgency for ECOWAS to strengthen its governance and reaffirm its core values.
As we approach ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary, accelerating reforms is not just necessary, it’s crucial for the survival of our region.
We must advance democracy, good governance, and the vision our founding fathers had for a united West Africa.
Ibrahima also hinted that the seminar’s focus is on budgetary allocations to effectively address the region’s most pressing challenges, from terrorism to natural disasters.
Speaking further on Women’s Leadership and Financial Inclusion Ibrahima applauded Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé for championing women’s leadership in the region.
She noted that the upcoming symposium, hosted by the ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association (ECOFEPA), will focus on “Empowering Women through Financial Inclusion.” The event aims to explore how financial services can unlock economic opportunities for women, driving their empowerment across the subregion.
On his part, Dr. George Donkor, President of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), called for greater investment in infrastructure to unlock West Africa’s full potential.
He stressed the need for regional cooperation to build equitable economic opportunities and ensure lasting peace and stability.
Meanwhile, MacDonald Goanue, Director of Research and Strategic Planning, reiterated that strong regional collaboration is essential for ensuring that investment benefits all sectors of society.
Together, we can realize the vision of ECOWAS for all its citizens. Goanue said.
Earlier, Togo’s Minister of Human Rights, Barrister Pacome Adjourouvi, expressed deep concern over rising human rights abuses, noting that freedom of speech and protest are increasingly suppressed across the region.
We must be at the forefront of promoting and protecting human rights,” he stated, urging for the full implementation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and a focus on gender equality.
On the ECOWAS Vision 2050, Sevon-Tepe Adedze, Speaker of the Togolese National Assembly, stressed the importance of aligning ECOWAS’ budget with its long-term development goals, especially those outlined in the ‘ECOWAS Vision 2050.’
Stressing that the initiative, which focuses on social inclusion and economic integration, is paramount for achieving peace for a prosperous West Africa.
