By: Kebba AF Touray
The Authority of Heads of States and Governments of ECOWAS has urged the Government of the Gambia to expedite the process of the adoption of a new constitution ahead of the country’s 2026 general elections.
The Authority made this and other appeals to the Gambia government in a communique issued on Sunday, 10th December 2023, at its 64th Ordinary Session, and was delivered by the President of the ECOWAS Commission Dr. Omar AlieuTouray.
The authority, in its communique, commended the efforts made by member states and the ECOWAS Commission towards the consolidation of democracy, peace, security, and stability in the region and noted in particular, the peaceful elections that recently took place during the year in Nigeria, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone and Liberia. It welcomes the peaceful resolution of the electoral dispute in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the peaceful outcome of the dialogue between the opposition and the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
On the Gambia, the authority urges the Government and stakeholders to expedite the adoption of the new constitution ahead of the 2026 general elections, as well as the implementation of the ‘white paper’ on the recommendations of the Truth Commission. The Authority also decided to extend the mandate of the ECOWAS mission in the Gambia for one year and instructs the mission to continue to support the Gambia in the implementation of the Government ‘white paper’ and the much-needed defense and security sector reform processes. The Authority commended the efforts being made by member states and the ECOWAS Commission towards the consolidation of the Authority and noted the continued challenges of insecurity and instability in the region that has been engendered by terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organized crime, as well as unconstitutional changes of Governments.
“The Authority reaffirms its commitment to the promotion of peace, democracy and good governance, and urges member states to uphold the tenants of the ECOWAS protocols relating to the mechanisms for conflict prevention, management, resolution, peace-keeping and security, as well as the supplementary protocol on democracy and good governance in this regard,” the ECOWAS Parliamentary Authority said in its communique.
On democracy and good governance, the Authority directed the Commission to undertake deep reflection with stakeholders, on the relationship between electoral processes, democracy and development, and to make actionable recommendations on increasing the transparency and credibility of elections, and the promotion of inclusive development and accountable governance.
The Authority further instructed the Commission to intensify consultations with member states in order to finalize and present for adoption, the draft revise Supplementary Protocol on democracy and good governance and directed the Commission to embark on deep reflection and exploration, on the power and possibility of an extraordinary summit on the unconstitutional change of governments in the sub-region.
On Guinea Bissau:
The Authority strongly condemned the violence that erupted in Bissau on 1 of December 2023 as well as all attempts to disrupt constitutional order and the rule of law in Guinea Bissau, commending the loyal members of the security forces of Guinea Bissau for expressing full solidarity with the people and the constitutional authority of that country.
The Authority also expresses deep preoccupation with the recent development in Ghana and the threat this poses to constitutional order.
“The authority therefore calls for the full respect of the national constitution and a transparent investigation into the various events in accordance with the law, and with a view to ensuring the quick restoration of all national institutions,” the ECOWAS Parliamentary Authority indicated in its Communique.
The body also directed the Commission to support Guinea Bissau in the consolidation of democracy, peace and stability, including through the completion of the ongoing review of the Constitution and the urgent defense and security sector reform. They further extended the mandate of the ECOWAS stabilization support mission in Guinea Bissau, and instructed the Commission to take steps to review the mandate of the mission.
On Liberia, the authority congratulated the Government and people of that country on the recent peaceful general elections they have gone through. The Authority also congratulated Ambassador Joseph Baca on his election as president of Liberia and commended outgoing President George Weah for his statesmanship and gracious acceptance of the election results by saying that the authority and colleges, leaders, and citizens of Liberia, will continue to promote social cohesion. They also urged the Commission to accompany Liberia in these efforts.
On Sierra Leone, the Authority strongly condemned the attempted coup d’état of 26th November 2023, which led to the loss of life and destruction of property, and urges with judicial instances, a thorough and transparent investigation into the event to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.
They indicated that they should commence the signing of the agreement for national unity that emanated from the mediated dialogue between the government and the opposition ‘All Peoples’ Congress’, and urge all parties and other stakeholders to implement the agreement in good faith, within the stipulated time frame. The Authority also instructed the Commission to continue to support Sierra Leone in these efforts and further directed the Commission to facilitate the deployment of an ECOWAS standby Aqua security mission to the West African country, to help stabilize the country.
In Senegal, the authority took note of the preparations towards the 25th February 2024 presidential elections and urged the government and stakeholders in the electoral process, to continue to prioritise inclusiveness and transparency towards the conduct of the poll. They urge all stakeholders to ensure strict adherence to constitutional norms, ECOWAS protocols, and the rule of law, in the management of all the electoral processes and other related matters, to further strengthen the country’s democratic culture.
In the fight against terrorism and other related security issues, the Authority asserted its commitment to the eradication of terrorism and other threats to the peace, security, and stability of the region.
To this end, the Authority instructed the Commission to urgently resume efforts to activate the Aqua standby force in its kinetic mode for counter-terrorism operations in zones infested by terrorist groups.
On the political situation in the Republic of Nigeria, the Authority commended the efforts of the Chairperson of the Authority, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, towards a peaceful resolution of the political crisis, but deeply deplored the continued detention of President Mohammed Basu, his family and associates by the CMSP administration, and deplored the lack of commitment on the part of the CMSP to restore constitutional order. They consequently call on the CMSP to release President Mohammed Basu, his family, and associates immediately and without condition.
The ECOWAS Commission indicates that it shall maintain all sanctions including the use of force, and shall request the African Union and all other partners to enforce the targeted sanctions on members of the CMSP and their associates.
On the transition processes in the region, the Authority said it took note of the meeting of the presidential Troika to reflect on the political and security situation in the region including the transition process in Burkina Faso, and welcomes the successful national referendum in Mali, and commended the transition authorities for the efforts they have deployed. However, the Authority said it noted with concern, the transition authorities’ reluctance to cooperate with ECOWAS in the implementation of transition programs and other activities of interest to the region.
