STATEMENT BY RT. HON. DR. SIDIE MOHAMED TUNIS SPEAKER OF THE ECOWAS PARLIAMENT ON THE OCCASION MARKING THE 47TH ECOWAS DAY, 28TH MAY 2022

This is indeed a momentous and historic day for West Africa and for all the peoples of the Community. We stand together to celebrate 47 years of regional cooperation and integration, economic activities, monetary and financial cooperation, as well as social and cultural exchanges, all geared towards raising the standard of living of the peoples of the ECOWAS Members States.

Since its establishment on 28^th May, 1975, ECOWAS has evolved through many complexities, thereby situating itself as a thriving Regional Cooperation body, asserting its role in regional and global affairs and discharging its duties to the West African sub-region. These have come to bare on the tremendous successes the organisation has recorded in the implementation of key programs including: the Free Movements of Persons, ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme, ECOWAS Monetary Cooperation Program, Peace, Security, Democracy and Good Governance, as well as Agricultural and Infrastructural Policies, to mention just a few.

While for most of our citizens, the ECOWAS integration process is a huge success story, sadly, our celebrations today of peace, unity and prosperity are over shadowed by the ugly reality of the suspension of three of our Member States; Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso, which was necessitated by the unfortunate overthrow of democratic rule. We are also grappling with terrorist activities in the Sahel, challenged economies, rising cost of basic commodities and the ripple effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Through all these, our determination remains unequivocal and our solidarity, very effective.

The ECOWAS Parliament, has, since its formation, continue to ensure adequate representation of the peoples of the sub-region and demonstrate strong will towards achieving regional integration.

On the auspicious occasion of the celebration of this historic milestone, we reaffirm the Parliament’s commitment in contributing efficiently and effectively, towards the implementation of the programs of the Community and strengthening representative democracy throughout the region. We will, within the limits of our mandate, continue to promote peace, security and stability in the region, as well as defend the rights of the peoples of West Africa.

I wish all Member States, Institutions, Citizens and Partners of ECOWAS, a happy 47th ECOWAS Day.

Right Honorable Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament