The Parliament of the Economic Community of the States of Western Africa (Ecowas) has urged Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger to reconsider their decision and return to the regional bloc.
The three Sahel countries officially left Ecowas earlier this year, citing the deviation of the organization of their foundational principles and what they perceived as an overreach when imposing sanctions after military acquisitions.
In an attempt to repair the ties and encourage unity, the Parliament of the Cecoas pointed out the importance of regional integration and cooperation, highlighting the possible consequences of the withdrawal of the socio -economic well -being of citizens in the Sahel region.
The president of the Joint Committee of Delocated Meeting in Banjul, Gambia, Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe Jr., while informing the media at the closing ceremony of a five -day meeting, expressed the desire of the Parliament to see the retired countries return to the community.
He said: “We love you back. We are going to join as a team. Whatever happens, we agree to disagree,” he said.
Senator Snowe also asked the media to refrain from premature reports on delicate issues, saying: “We do not want a premature refund. Therefore, the resolutions of the meeting will leave us from the office. The office will review it and go to the plenary.”
The president thanked the media for their presence and cooperation, declaring: “We want to thank the members of the press for being here, for taking the time of their business schedule.”
The meeting discussed the political, social, economic and humanitarian impact of the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger of the Parliament of the Cedeas.
Senator Snowe pointed out that the community has been together for 50 years and that the withdrawal of these countries has been a challenging experience.
He emphasized the importance of teamwork in Parliament, stating that “the work we do here, there is no good parliamentarian without all good staff.
“It can be well educated, all education, it has it. But if you don't have a good staff, you don't have a good team, it won't be a good parliamentarian.” Said.
In addition, the president of the Social Affairs Committee, Gender, Women in Parliament and Oppressions with Disabilities, Excmo. Veronica Seecay, appealed to retired countries to put aside their differences and work together with the community.
“We need you, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali. We are a block. We should be working together,” he said.
The president highlighted the importance of unity and cooperation between the Member States, citing the example of Ecowas's intervention in Liberia and Sierra Leone in times of conflict.
“We have been helping each other. As for us, who faced war in Liberia and Sierra Leone. We appreciate the cause that Ecowas did in his speech to help us roll the situation in Sierra Leone,” he said.
He also emphasized the impact of conflict on women and children, saying: “When there is a problem, who faced most of them? They are women and children.” She appealed to retired countries to consider the impact of their decision on these vulnerable groups.
The committee member, Hon. Zainab Gimba in his final comments, expressed his gratitude to the authorities and people of Gambia for his warm reception and hospitality.
“We deeply moved the warm, fraternal and funny reception that the authorities and people of the Republic of Gambia granted us.
“We take into account the invaluable and decisive role that the Republic of Gambia continues to perform in the progress of regional integration and development within the institutions of the CEDEAS, and the Parliament of the Cedeas in particular.”
She paid tribute to President Adama Barrow for her commitment to democratic principles and good governance in Gambia.
He also expressed his appreciation to the National Assembly of Gambia, the president, Fabakary Tombong Jatta and the Gambian delegation to the Parliament of the CEDEA, directed by the Hon. Billay G. Tunkara, for her exceptional hospitality.
He praised the distinguished resources and participants for their valuable contributions, which enriched the discussions and improved the understanding of the subject.
“We also appreciate administrative and support staff for their tireless efforts, which assured the good conduct of the meeting.”