ECOWAS Community parliament celebrates 25th anniversary in Abuja: A Call to Safeguard Democracy and Deepen Regional Integration

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Oumar Alieu Touray, joined dignitaries and lawmakers in Abuja to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the ECOWAS Parliament, a milestone that reflects a quarter-century of collective commitment to democracy, regional integration, and people-centred governance within the Community.

Dr. Touray was welcomed by the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, H.E. Mrs. Maimounatou Ibrahima, alongside Members of Parliament, as the institution marked its Silver Jubilee. This year’s celebration is particularly significant as it coincides with the 50th Anniversary of the ECOWAS Community, creating a dual moment of reflection on achievements, lessons learned, and the path toward deeper cooperation among Member States.

The ceremony highlighted both the progress made and the work ahead in safeguarding democratic governance, reinforcing regional institutions, and advancing the vision of an integrated, peaceful, and prosperous ECOWAS.

Welcoming dignitaries, regional leaders, parliamentarians, and invited guests to the historic Silver Jubilee event, the speaker Honourable Ibrahima expressed profound gratitude to all attendees for honouring the occasion. Special appreciation was extended to the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for their generous hospitality and continued support in hosting the celebrations. Tribute was also paid to His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, for his leadership and unwavering support to ECOWAS institutions.

In his remarks, Dr. Touray emphasized the historic role of the ECOWAS Parliament as a mechanism to ensure that the voices of ECOWAS citizens remain central to decision-making on Community affairs. He noted that the Parliament’s enhanced oversight functions and growing influence on regional policies have strengthened its role in promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development across West Africa.

In a special tribute, the Dr. Touray honoured past and present leaders of the ECOWAS Parliament whose stewardship has been instrumental in advancing its mandate:

• Hon. Professor Ali Nouhoum Diallo (Mali) – First Legislature
• Hon. Mahamane Ousmane (Niger) – Second Legislature
• Rt. Hon. Ike Ekweremadu (Nigeria) – Third Legislature
• Rt. Hon. Moustapha Cisse Lo (Senegal) – Fourth Legislature
• Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis (Sierra Leone) – Fifth Legislature
• Hon. Maimounatou Ibrahima (Togo) – Current Speaker of the Sixth Legislature

The diversity of leadership over the years, the President Touray noted, reflects ECOWAS’ commitment to democracy, equity, solidarity, and inclusivity. The Parliament has cultivated a unique institutional culture that blends national parliamentary traditions, serving as an inspiring model for other regional bodies worldwide.

The President, speaking at the institution’s Silver Jubilee, urged parliamentarians to defend democracy amid growing backsliding driven by zero-sum politics and reduced civic space. He called on members to uphold democratic norms, political decency, and rule-based governance.

“The Supplementary Act—mandating representation from ruling and opposition parties and ensuring women’s participation, was highlighted as a key tool for promoting inclusive, pluralistic democracy “, he added.

He warned that shrinking political space fuels military and authoritarian resurgence, stressing that protecting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law must remain a shared regional priority.

“As we celebrate this Silver Jubilee, let us look forward to a future where, by our Golden Jubilee, democracy, rule of law, and human rights are not privileges but the defining norms of our community,” the President state.