ECOWAS Parliament Opening: Leaders Warn Democracy Must Deliver Amid Security, Economic Crises

By Ifeyinwa Ike

At the opening of the 2026 First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament, top regional leaders issued stark warnings on democratic fragility, urging bold reforms to deliver results for citizens facing insecurity, economic strain, and global pressures.

Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Memounatou Ibrahima, opened the session by reaffirming democracy as the bloc’s foundation while calling for vigilance.

She urged Guinea-Bissau’s authorities to restore constitutional order and condemned April 25 terrorist attacks in Mali, expressing solidarity with its people.

Ibrahima highlighted multiplying threats, terrorism, piracy, cross-border crime, climate change, and global conflicts inflating food and energy costs.

“Peace cannot be decreed; it must be built through dialogue and cooperation,” she said, pointing to the upcoming Lomé Summit on Vision 2050 as a chance to accelerate integration.

The session’s priorities include reviewing community laws, regional programs, AI, tax harmonisation, women’s economic empowerment, digital skills, and street children initiatives.

“Let us make this a decisive turning point,” she declared, opening proceedings.