Banjul, April 28, 2025 -(©AfreePress)- The sixth decentralized legislative session of the ECOWAS Parliament kicked off solemnly at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Banjul, The Gambia, against the backdrop of a major institutional challenge: the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional bloc. The opening ceremony was marked by high-level speeches and a renewed call for regional unity.
Held under the theme : « The Implications of the Withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS : Exploring Political, Legal, Security, Socio-Economic and Humanitarian Dimensions », the session takes on critical importance as the West African community faces one of its most severe tests yet.
A packed agenda focused on regional stability
Two committees began yet deliberations in Banjul. These are the Committee on Administration, Finance, and Budget, tasked with reviewing the ECOWAS Parliament’s 2024 year-end budget performance report and the Joint Committee, composed of members from the Committees on Political Affairs, Peace, Security, APRM, Legal Affairs, Human Rights, Trade, Customs, Free Movement, Social Affairs, Gender, Women Empowerment, and People with Disabilities. This body is focusing on the broad impacts of the Sahel countries’ withdrawal.
Sobering speeches and strategic focus
In her keynote address, Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee, warned of the geopolitical turbulence sparked by the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. She described it as an unprecedented rupture that threatens the unity, stability, and achievements of the ECOWAS project.
“For nearly five decades, ECOWAS has been a pillar of regional integration. This rupture jeopardizes our capacity to promote peace, security, and human development in our shared space,” she said.
Hon. Billay G. Tunkara, 4th Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament and Head of the Gambian Delegation, echoed this sentiment, calling the withdrawal “a historic fracture.” He noted that losing 20% of ECOWAS member states weakens the bloc’s influence on the global stage and complicates the regional fight against terrorism in the Sahel.
“This decision disrupts intelligence sharing, hinders joint military operations, and jeopardizes free movement and cross-border infrastructure projects,” Tunkara stressed. He also warned of humanitarian fallout, including food insecurity, forced migration, and the isolation of vulnerable populations.
The Speaker of the Gambian National Assembly, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, welcomed delegates to Banjul and said the crisis surpasses that of Mauritania’s withdrawal in 2000. He praised the Parliament’s initiative to safeguard the rights of citizens from the exiting states, including recognition of ECOWAS documents and access to regional trade and mobility benefits.
A call for collective renewal
Despite the gravity of the situation, all speakers reaffirmed their commitment to the ECOWAS vision. Hon. Tunkara called for a renewed model of integration, one that is more inclusive and responsive to the concerns of citizens.
“ECOWAS remains our strongest bulwark against fragmentation. It is time we asked why these countries chose to leave and had the courage to offer them real answers,” he declared.
The Banjul session is thus shaping up to be a platform for frank yet brotherly dialogue—an opportunity to preserve the foundation of the ECOWAS project, at a time when the future of 400 million West Africans hangs in the balance.
Olivier ADJA
