By Omonu YG Nelson
ABUJA, Nigeria – The President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, has called for urgent action to address the growing trend of military incursions into politics in West Africa. In a goodwill message to the opening of the Second Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament on November 22, 2023, Justice Amoako Asante expressed concern about the impact of these incursions on democracy and stability in the region.
“These incursions not only demonstrate a deficiency in our democratic culture but should challenge us to reflect on the trajectory of our democracy and ascertain whether it is imbued with the efficacy and capacity to deliver good governance that satisfy the socio-economic needs of our people,” he said.
Justice Amoako Asante urged the ECOWAS Parliament to provide leadership in addressing this issue and called for reforms to improve democratic systems in the region. He also encouraged the Parliament to work with national parliaments to ensure the seamless enforcement of its decisions and to strengthen community law and respect for human rights.
“The implementation of these and other ancillary measures will go a long way in strengthening our democracy and ensure that it responds to the aspirations of our citizens,” he said.
The ECOWAS Parliament is the legislative body of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). It has 115 members, who are elected by the national parliaments of the 15 ECOWAS member states. The Parliament’s mandate is to promote democracy, good governance, human rights, and economic integration in the region.