The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Memounatou Ibrahima, has cautioned that peace and stability across West Africa cannot be imposed by decree, calling on regional leaders to take urgent, deliberate action against worsening insecurity, democratic backsliding, and economic distress.
Speaking Monday at the opening of the First Ordinary Session of 2026 in Abuja, Ibrahima emphasized that lasting peace must be built through sustained dialogue, cooperation, and institutional accountability.
Her warning comes as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) grapples with escalating security threats, political volatility, and deepening socioeconomic pressures driven by both internal and global forces.
Reaffirming democracy as the bloc’s “unshakeable foundation,” the Speaker acknowledged growing concerns over constitutional governance in several member states. She called for the restoration of constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau and condemned the April 25, 2026, terrorist attacks in Mali, describing them as a stark reminder of the region’s persistent security challenges.
Ibrahima also noted that ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East continue to strain West African economies through rising food and energy costs, further eroding living conditions for millions of citizens.
Looking ahead, she identified the upcoming ECOWAS Future Summit in Lomé as a critical opportunity to redefine the bloc’s strategic direction. She urged parliamentarians to adopt bold resolutions that accelerate the implementation of ECOWAS Vision 2050— the long-term framework for strengthening regional integration and sustainable development.
Key priorities for the current parliamentary session include regulating artificial intelligence, harmonizing taxes, expanding export opportunities for women, and strengthening oversight of maritime insecurity, cross-border crime, and climate-related threats.
“No member state is insulated from the growing flashpoints of instability,” Ibrahima warned. She called on lawmakers to ensure that regional integration translates into measurable improvements in citizens’ daily lives — through stronger social protection systems and expanded employment opportunities.
“The task before us is immense,” she told delegates, “but our determination is unwavering.”
The session is expected to produce recommendations that will shape discussions at the Lomé summit and define ECOWAS’s policy direction for the months ahead.