By Chernor Alimamy Kamara in Monrovia
The ECOWAS Parliament at its just concluded Delocalized joint committee meeting held in Monrovia, Liberia from the 25th to 29th July unanimously condemned the military coup that took place in Niger on the 26th July, 2023.
The joint committee members said the change of political power by unconstitutional means seriously undermine important regional efforts aimed at strengthening democracy and promoting the rule of law, while noting that the use of the Community’s Stand-by Force has made it possible to avert several crises in the region, and called for the rapid operationalization of this force with a view to preventing and defeating coups.
The committee called on Member States of ECOWAS to adopt concrete mechanisms to encourage the participation of all citizens in important decision-making processes, including vulnerable groups such as ethnic or religious minorities, women and youths and vulnerable groups with disability and the elderly.
They urged Member States to adopt and ensure effective implementation of laws and policies on quotas and gender balance by providing for alternative male and female electoral lists and appointments to governance, and praised Sierra Leone’s efforts in that direction.
The joint Committee of the ECOWAS Parliament encouraged the ECOWAS Commission to intensify dialogue with the Transitional Authorities in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso in order to ensure follow-up and implementation of the transition timetables with a view to accelerating the return to constitutional order in those countries.
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation which monitors and rewards good governance in Africa has issued a statement on the situation in Niger saying “nothing can justify the overthrowing of a democratically-elected government. The current situation risks undermining the progress in tackling some of the country’s most deeply entrenched challenges''. The influential foundation adds that “it is crucial that the people of Niger’s rights to democracy and stability are protected, constitutional order restored and president Bazoum immediately reinstated’’.
The Delocalized meeting of the joint committee of ECOWAS Parliament deals with matters relating to regional peace, stability and security, and the promotion and consolidation of a democratic system of governance, human rights, gender and women's empowerment.
The ECOWAS Parliament promotes and defends principles of human rights, democracy, the rule of law, transparency, accountability and good governance. It also contributes to the efficient and effective implementation of objectives and policies of the ECOWAS Community
Also Sudanese- born billionaire businessman and good governance advocate, Mo Ibrahim has issued a statement expressing concern about the coup in Niger. “Nothing can justify the overthrowing of a democratically elected government. The current situation risks undermining the progress in tackling some of the country’s most deeply entrenched challenges”, he said.
He stressed the importance of protecting Nigeriens’ right to democracy and stability, urging that constitutional order be restored, and deposed President Mohamed Bazoum reinstated.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (31/07/23)
