The first ordinary session of the ECOWAS Parliament for 2025 commenced on May 20 in Abuja, Nigeria. The event was attended by members of the sixth legislature, presidents of ECOWAS institutions, the President of the Nigerian Senate, diplomatic corps members, and partners. During the opening ceremony, new parliamentarians from Senegal and Guinea-Bissau were sworn in.
H.E. Madame Hadja Mémounatou Ibrahima, President of the ECOWAS Parliament, expressed gratitude to H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of Nigeria and current President of the Conference of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS. Her speech addressed integration issues and challenges facing the ECOWAS Parliament as it approaches its 25th anniversary on November 16.
President Omar Alieu Touray highlighted two significant events: the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS and the upcoming Golden Jubilee celebration. He informed parliamentarians about an extraordinary session held by the Council of Ministers in Accra from April 22 to 23 to discuss an emergency withdrawal plan for these countries. A comprehensive negotiation plan was adopted for all member states with strategic directions for negotiations.
Touray emphasized that discussions with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger would begin soon regarding negotiation methodologies while ensuring that citizens’ interests are not compromised.
Regarding the Golden Jubilee celebration, Touray described it as “a moment of reflection and introspection on the achievements and perspectives” of ECOWAS. He announced plans for a summit focused on West Africa’s future involving discussions among stakeholders within and beyond the community.
Touray also urged parliamentarians to debate Artificial Intelligence’s potential negative impacts on youth in member states if left unaddressed. The parliamentary session will conclude on May 31.