Two ECOWAS parliamentarians quarrel: The Bureau strongly condemns any statement or action that goes against the principles and values ​​of the Community

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliamentary Office, in a note viewed by Abidjan.net on Monday, July 22, 2024, strongly condemned any statement or action that goes against the principles and values ​​of ECOWAS and could harm the reputation of the institution.

According to this press release, the Office wishes to express its deep concern and displeasure at the excessive language observed by one of the Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS Member States towards the Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS Member States during the meeting held on Saturday, July 20 in Abuja, Nigeria. As members, “we are free to express different views and welcome different opinions, provided that they are guided by the values ​​of respect, solidarity and cooperation that underpin the region of our organization.”, supports this note from the Office. Not without warning, “any non-parliamentary speech will not be recognized or tolerated, as it is not in keeping with the spirit of brotherhood and cooperation that must prevail in the ECOWAS region and beyond”.
The Bureau also strongly urged all parliamentarians to continue working for regional integration and the well-being of the people. “The challenges we face require greater cooperation and constructive dialogue, not verbal attacks and division,” he recalled.
The ECOWAS Parliament said it remains committed to promoting the principles of democracy, good governance and respect for human rights. “Our status as the Parliament of the Community does not exempt us from our obligations to show respect and courtesy to Heads of State and Government. The Bureau urges all members of Parliament to act in accordance with the Additional Act and the Rules of Procedure of the ECOWAS Parliament. Furthermore, Parliament reiterates its support and cooperation with the ECOWAS Body of Heads of State and Government in achieving the aspirations of the peoples of the Community,” he concluded.

On Saturday, July 20, 2024, a heated argument broke out between Ivorian MP Adjaratou Traor and Senegalese MP Guy Marius Sagna during the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliamentary Session in Abuja, Nigeria.
In fact, during his speech in this session, Senegalese deputy Marius Sagna openly criticized the West African head of state, believing that the latter “plundered Africa and impoverished Africa”, and the Ivorian vice president did not appreciate it. Without the intervention of other parliamentarians, the two parliamentarians almost came to blows.

Cyprian K.