By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament Sidie Mohamed Tunis has condemned strongly the violence in Sierra Leone which caused deaths, wanton destruction of properties and pain in the country
Tunis disclosed this at the delocalized meeting of the joint committee on Political Affairs ,Peace and security and APRM legal affairs and human rights Social affairs ,Gender and women empowerment in Banjul Gambia ,
The theme of the meeting was, ” Community Texts relating to Peace, Security, Democracy and Good Governance: Challenges in their Implementation and the Oversight Role of ECOWAS Parliament”.
Tunis who was represented by the 4th Deputy speaker Adja Satu Camara Pinto called on all sides to adhere to the rule of law, which is the best way to address grievances of every kind.
The speaker said, ”Many democracies are having difficulties globally, in this present day, these failures are often attributed to the lack of trust and accountability. We are seeing regime change and reforms in many parts of the world. In Africa the fragility of our democracies is caused by electoral abuse, ethnic divisions, mismanagement of natural resources, poverty, and economic insecurity. ”
There is a need for political will and action to counter these problems, and these are better achieved through our institutions. It is said that integration is about people. Indeed, it is high time our region derives the benefits, he admonished.
Also the Speaker commended the people of Senegal for successfully conducting a peaceful parliamentary elections on 31st July and congratulated all winners at the polls adding that the parliament look forward to working with the Membership of the new Parliament for the good of the sub region.
The Gambian Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Mamadou Tangara urged member state to collectively act swiftly to address the issues of insecurity and promote peace in the sub region.
Tangara said,”As nations sharing the same destiny, we have a moral obligation and a collective responsibility to act swiftly to address all issues hampering the institutional advancement, the consolidation of peace, security and the empowerment of women who are the driving forces of the Region.
The Gambian Foreign Minister commended the overwhelming response of all partners and people for their faith in a common purpose, a common conviction and a common devotion in consolidating Peace, Security and Good Governance and other community achievements in Senegal.
In his opening remarks ,Speaker of the National Assembly of the The Gambia, Hon Fabakary Tombong Jatta added that, there is need for proactive intervention to curb insecurity on the subregion noting that peace and security is the bed rock on which all development stand.
