The Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced plans to establish an ad hoc mediation committee aimed at reintegrating Niger Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso into its fold.
Senator Barau Jibrin, the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament and Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, made this known at the 2024 Second Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Kano on Tuesday.
Senator Jibrin stated that the return of the three breakaway countries is in the overall interest of the regional bloc. He explained that the move was in response to the urgent call for intervention made by ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray.
He said, “You may recall that in his address at the inaugural session, the President of the ECOWAS Commission made the clarion call for the parliament’s urgent intervention in addressing pressing issues in the community.
“The President noted the urgency of joining ongoing efforts aimed at avoiding the disintegration of the regional bloc, which could happen with the departure of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.
“We must heed that call with all seriousness and be intentional about playing our roles for the millions of citizens being impacted by these conflicts.
“Against this backdrop, I will, in consultation with my colleagues in the bureau, be proposing the appointment of an ad hoc mediation committee whose mandate will be to work with all stakeholders in getting our brothers to rescind their decision and come home and work towards promoting dialogue with a view to resolving conflicts in the region.
“There’s no doubt that we are stronger together and there is absolutely no alternative to our collective aspirations of a united, peaceful and secure ECOWAS.”
According to Jibrin, a parliamentary fact-finding mission was dispatched to the Republic of Togo to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the notable absence of the Togolese delegation, who, by the Supplementary Act on the Enhancement of the Powers of the Parliament, deserves the Speakership. The mission also held discussions with national stakeholders on other political issues.
He emphasised the need to build a strong partnership with the ECOWAS Commission and to participate in joint initiatives aimed at bolstering regional security and advancing development.