ECOWAS Parliament proposes direct election of members

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament has commenced its second 2020 extraordinary session via video conferencing expressing concern over COVID-19 in the region.

The second extra ordinary session of the regional parliament which opened virtually is aimed at deliberating on referrals from the ECOWAS Commission reflecting the views and interest of citizens across member states.

The Speaker of the parliament, Sidie Mohammed Tunis, in an address to declare the session open, expressed concern over how the COVID-19 pandemic have continued to afflict people globally, especially West Africans.

The Speaker however expressed satisfaction on how the Heads of States in the region have been working collectively to check the ravaging effect of the virus in the region.

“As a Parliament, we are impressed by the measures taken by our Heads of State, both collectively and individually to address the spread of the virus and to provide palliatives for the people.

“I was honoured to have been invited to attend the virtual Extra Ordinary summit of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government on COVD-19, held on 22nd April, 2020.

“The conduct of the summit was an evidence of the commitment of the Heads of State, not only towards protecting the people against infection, but bringing an early end to the pandemic.

“It also provided an avenue for them to exchange ideas on measures to be adopted to mitigate the economic effects of the pandemic” he said.

Mr Tunis also conveyed his condolence and prayers to families that lost loved ones. 

ECOWAS Parliament Speaker, Sidie Tunis of Sierra LeoneConsideration of referralsMr.

Tunis said the session is not only extra ordinary in name, but even in conduct, noting that the agenda of the extra ordinary session is essentially to consider some important referrals from the ECOWAS Commission as it has to do with the implementation of the ECOWAS Protocol on Community Levy among others.

According to Tunis, “To consider these important referrals from the ECOWAS Commission, relevant Standing Committees would work assiduously to ensure that the views of the people are reflected in the decisions to be taken.

“As usual, the Commissioners and technocrats from the relevant directorate of the ECOWAS Commission are at hand to assist the Committees with relevant input on the subject matters” Tunis said.

“I am optimistic that we will do our best to represent the people and give them a voice.”

He added that Members of Parliament had sworn to continue to represent the people and as such could not be hindered by the limitation of physical meetings imposed by the pandemic.

“We are going to continue to strive to do so, even with the limitations imposed on us by the prevailing situation” Tunis said.

The President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Justice Edward Amoako Asante and the Director General of the West African Health Organization (WAHO), Professor Stanley Okolo made presentations at the opening session.