The Speaker of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Rt. Hon. Mémounatou Ibrahima, has made a renewed call for unity, accountability and deeper regional integration.
The Speaker made the call at the opening of the Second Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament, which commenced from December 1 – 13, 2025, on Monday in Abuja.
Delivering the opening address on behalf of Speaker Ibrahima, the First Deputy Speaker, Hon. Jibrin Barau said the gathering reflected a “collective commitment to the ideals of regional cooperation, peace and democratic governance.”
Hon. Barau commended Parliamentarians for their unwavering commitment to represent the people of West Africa, deliberate on their behalf, defend their interests and work for their well-being, noting that their contributions continued to push the vision of a united, prosperous and sustainable West Africa.
“Pursuant to Article 17 of the Supplementary Act relating to the Enhancement of the Powers of the ECOWAS Parliament, we are mandated to consider the draft Community Budget, render our opinion thereon, and, where necessary, propose amendments to ensure its alignment with the objectives of the Community. This responsibility calls for diligence, courage, and foresight.
“We must ensure that resources are directed towards programs that foster stability, development, and improve the well-being of our people”, he said.
Hon. Barau highlighted a packed agenda, including the 25th Anniversary of the Parliament, the 2026 Community Budget, key Committee Reports and engagements with institutional partners, described the items as underscoring Parliament’s central role in shaping the region’s future.
Reflecting on the silver jubilee, he paid tribute to the founders whose visions and courage he acknowledged gave birth to this Institution, stating that the milestone was a moment to assess progress and reinforce cohesion across Member States.
“For a quarter of a century, our Parliament has stood as a symbol of the people’s representation at the regional level, providing a forum where citizens’ voices are heard, democratic oversight is enhanced and regional integration is continuously deepened.
“As we celebrate this silver jubilee, we would like to pay tribute to the founding fathers whose visions and courage gave birth to this Institution, as well as to the Parliamentarians of both past and present Legislatures whose dedication has shaped its evolution.
“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.
“This reflection is primarily aimed at finding ways and means to strengthen cohesion between Member States of the Community and giving a sense of belonging to its populations.
“Over the next few days, we shall celebrate this milestone with the dignity, gratitude, and renewed commitment it deserves, mindful that our legacy will be judged by the future generations of West Africans”, he said.
He urged for a robust scrutiny of the draft Community Budget and said: “Pursuant to Article 17 of the Supplementary Act relating to the Enhancement of the Powers of the ECOWAS Parliament, we are mandated to consider the draft Community Budget, render our opinion thereon, and, where necessary, propose amendments to ensure its alignment with the objectives of the Community.
“This responsibility calls for diligence, courage, and foresight. We must ensure that resources are directed towards programs that foster stability, development, and improve the well-being of our people”.
The first Deputy Speaker, also called for close attention to legal texts aimed at strengthening the ECOWAS Court of Justice and improving financial governance.
“In the same vein, several legal texts of major importance have been submitted for our consideration. I urge you to pay close attention to the :
– Supplementary Act relating to the ECOWAS Court of Justice and its Arbitration Rules, which will enhance the Community’s legal framework;
– Regulation on the Management of Public Debt and the Directive on Public Accounting, which aim to consolidate economic governance and financial transparency within the Community.
“A careful study of these texts is crucial for deepening our integration and ensuring the stability of our sub-region”, he added.
On regional politics, he saluted Côte d’Ivoire for the peaceful presidential election, congratulating President Alassane Ouattara, and commended Guinea’s forthcoming return to democratic order, calling it “courageous and inspiring.
“However, he condemned the recent military coup in Guinea-Bissau, describing it as an unacceptable assault on democracy and a direct threat to regional stability.
“Looking ahead, the Republic of Guinea prepares to hold its first presidential election on December 28, following the 2021 military takeover. This moment represents a decisive step toward the full restoration of constitutional order. I commend the government and people of Guinea for their resilience throughout this transition and for their steadfast commitment to the agreed ECOWAS roadmap. Their determination to return to democratic governance is both courageous and inspiring. ECOWAS stands firmly beside the people of Guinea as they move toward unity, stability, and democratic renewal.
“However, even as we celebrate these advances, we have been confronted with deeply troubling developments in Guinea-Bissau. The recent military coup is an unacceptable assault on democracy and a direct threat to regional stability.
“This attempted subversion of the people’s will, especially after a peaceful and orderly electoral process, cannot be tolerated. In line with ECOWAS’ principle of zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government, I strongly condemn the unlawful seizure of power in Guinea-Bissau.
“The ECOWAS Parliament fully aligns itself with the decisions taken by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
“We stand resolutely with the people of Guinea-Bissau. Their voices, expressed clearly and peacefully at the ballot box, must be respected. We will work closely with all stakeholders to ensure that democracy is not only restored—but safeguarded”, he noted.
Despite progress, he cautioned that insecurity, economic pressures, climate impacts and fragile transitions demanded coordinated, united action, and stressed the duty of ECOWAS Parliament to promote dialogue, inclusive governance and peace.
“While we celebrate the democratic gains mentioned above, we must also acknowledge the enormity of the persistent challenges within our Community, namely insecurity, economic crises, effects of climate change and fragile democratic transitions, as sadly demonstrated by the recent situation in Guinea-Bissau.
“These challenges call for collective actions. In the face of these challenges, our response must be coordinated, united and firmly based on the principles of regional 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 in their relentless quest for peace, democracy and prosperity”, Barau said.Hon.
Barau highlighted recent global engagements from Geneva to Istanbul, Tangier, Jerusalem and meetings with the European Parliament, and said they strengthened cooperation and positioned ECOWAS as “a respected voice on the international scene.
“He expressed gratitude to Member States and partners, and urged renewed dedication.
“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. The future of our region depends not only on the decisions we make, but also on the courage with which we act to ensure that these decisions resonate meaningfully with our people.
“Together, let us continue to write the next chapter in the history of ECOWAS, a chapter filled with hope, continuous progress and a shared destiny. “It is on this hopeful note that I declare open, the 2025 Second Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament”.
