The first ordinary session of the ECOWAS Parliament for 2024 officially commenced on July 1, 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria. In her inaugural address, H.E. Mrs. Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, the new Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, called for enhanced collaboration to improve integration among ECOWAS institutions and Member States. The event was attended by H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission; Presidents or Representatives of other ECOWAS institutions; Representatives of the Presidents of the Senate and National Assembly of Nigeria; and various dignitaries.
Speaker Ibrahima emphasized the importance of implementing recommendations from the "Kano Declaration," adopted by Community Members of Parliament in May 2024. This declaration focuses on addressing political, economic, and security challenges in the region, including insecurity and terrorism, food insecurity, irregular immigration, and climate change impacts.
Honourable Ibrahima reaffirmed Parliament's commitment to urgently collaborate with other ECOWAS institutions to implement and strengthen initiatives outlined in the President of the ECOWAS Commission's report on the Community’s work programme. She also highlighted consideration for a draft decision on establishing a Special Court for The Gambia to prosecute serious human rights violations between July 22, 1994, and January 21, 2017.
In his goodwill message, Dr. Touray congratulated the 6th ECOWAS Parliament for electing its first female head. “On behalf of my colleagues and the staff of the Commission...I extend my most sincere congratulations to you,” he stated.
Dr. Touray stressed urgent collaborative efforts to bolster regional integration amid current challenges such as insecurity, terrorism, and poverty. He expressed concern over potential disintegration following withdrawal announcements by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS.
He noted that such withdrawals could have significant consequences for citizens regarding free movement within the sub-region facilitated by ECOWAS passports or biometric identity cards. Dr. Touray underscored anticipated economic and institutional impacts while urging concerted action to navigate this crisis: “It is imperative that we take all necessary measures to prevent disintegration.”
Messages of support were also delivered by Honourable Judge Edward Amoako Asante (President of the Community Court of Justice) and H.E Joao Alage Mamadu Fadia (Auditor General of ECOWAS Institutions).
H.E Mr Yawovi Missiame Amenyo Adjourouvi (Togolese Minister for Human Rights) emphasized strengthening democracy and good governance as essential components for development growth in his speech at the ceremony.
Honourable Benjamin Kalu represented H.E Alhaji Tajudeen Abbas (Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives) calling for collaboration to make ECOWAS a model region characterized by peace and development growth.
Lastly, Honourable Jibrin Barau (Deputy Senate President of Nigeria) urged stronger regional integration: “The challenges we face are not insurmountable...Our diversity is our strength.”
The opening ceremony included swearing-in new members of the 6th legislature. The session began on July 1st and will conclude on July 24th.
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