ECOWAS Parliament calls for stronger legislative role in regional integration

President of Senegal and Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, has reaffirmed his support for the ECOWAS Parliament and its role in advancing regional integration.

President Faye made the commitment when he paid an official visit to the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja, Nigeria, on Tuesday, October 6.

The visit formed part of his engagements with ECOWAS institutions in Abuja and focused on regional integration, institutional cooperation and strengthening the relationship between the Community and its citizens.

The Chairman met with the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hadja Mémounatou Ibrahima, Members of Parliament and officials of the institution.

During the engagement, President Faye stressed the importance of conflict prevention, mediation, public awareness and regional stability in advancing the ECOWAS integration agenda.

He also expressed his readiness to work with the Parliament to strengthen dialogue and citizen participation in regional affairs.

Also speaking, the Speaker, Hadja Mémounatou Ibrahima, welcomed the visit and highlighted the importance of representative democracy and public participation in the regional integration process.

She said the Parliament’s mandate includes promoting democracy and human rights, peace and security, while contributing to the broader objectives of ECOWAS.

The Speaker also called for stronger legislative and oversight functions for the Parliament and invited President Faye to address a forthcoming plenary session on his vision for the region.

The First Deputy Speaker, in a vote of thanks, expressed appreciation to President Faye for the visit and stressed the importance of regular engagement between the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and the Parliament.

He assured the ECOWAS Chairman of the Parliament’s cooperation throughout his tenure.