Speaker of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Rt. Hon. Memounatou Ibrahima, has caused that peace across West Africa cannot be taken for granted, calling on the leaders to confront rising insecurity, democratic fragility and economic strain with urgency and unity.
Speaker Ibrahima stated this in her welcome address at the opening of the First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament for 2026 in Abuja on Monday, said the region must remain steadfast in defending democratic values while responding to growing internal and external pressures.
She reaffirmed democracy as the bedrock of the regional bloc, even as she acknowledged emerging threats. 
“Developments within our region reaffirm the view that democracy remains the unshakeable foundation of our Community,” Ibrahim stated.
At the same time, she urged caution and responsibility, particularly in politically fragile states.
“Beyond this conviction, Honourable colleagues, we must remain vigilant. In this regard, I call on the authorities of Guinea-Bissau to demonstrate responsibility by restoring constitutional order in that sister country,” she said.
Speaker Ibrahima also condemned recent violence in the region, expressing solidarity with affected nations.
She painted a broader picture of a world in turmoil, warning that global conflicts are compounding economic hardship across West Africa.
“The Parliament places high value on stability and peace within our West African sub-region. Accordingly, it condemns the terrorist attacks carried out on 25 April 2026 in several localities in the Republic of Mali and expresses its solidarity with the Malian people.
“We are meeting at a time when the international environment is marked by tensions and violent conflicts in the Middle East, in Europe, and on our own continent.
“These crises, with their troubling energy implications, are also driving inflationary pressures, particularly on foodstuffs and agricultural inputs, thereby seriously affecting our already fragile economies,” she said.
She further highlighted the region’s exposure to terrorism, piracy, cross-border crime and climate change, describing them as persistent threats requiring coordinated action.
Against this backdrop, Ibrahim stressed that lasting peace demands deliberate effort and cooperation.
“Faced with the multiplication of flashpoints, no region is immune. The message must be clear: peace cannot be decreed — it must be patiently built through dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect. The ECOWAS Parliament must echo this imperative to our Member States and partners,” she said.
Looking ahead, she pointed to the upcoming ECOWAS Future Summit in Lomé as a critical opportunity to reshape the bloc’s direction.
She emphasised the Parliament’s central role in that process, describing it as a key platform for democratic legitimacy and accountability.
“This summit aims to accelerate the implementation of Vision 2050 in light of current challenges. It will provide an opportunity to reposition our Community by defining how regional integration — at the heart of our ambition — can be achieved, strengthened and adapted to new realities.
“We must contribute meaningfully to this broader reflection on the future of our regional integration process. Our session must therefore produce bold resolutions and informed opinions commensurate with the challenges before us,” she said.
Highlighting recent parliamentary activities, Ibrahim said engagements across the region had focused on employment, social protection, and fiscal oversight, including discussions on digital skills, the plight of street children, and budget implementation.
Ibrahim outlined key priorities for the session, including reviewing community legislation, assessing implementation of regional programmes, and engaging with civil society and development partners.
She also highlighted upcoming discussions on artificial intelligence, tax policy harmonisation, and women’s economic empowerment, particularly in trade and export opportunities.
“The task before us is immense, but our determination is unwavering.
“Let us make this session a decisive turning point in our efforts to strengthen our democracies and fulfil the promise of effective, visible regional integration for our peoples.”
Declaring the session open, Ibrahim called for unity and bold action,” she said.
