ECOWAS expresses concern over political situation in Togo, Guinea Bissau

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has expressed worries over the turn of events in Guinea Bissau and Togo.

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Ambassador Desire Ouedraogo Monday in Abuja said the body has been disturbed by the political and security situation in the last few month.

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, who spoke on Monday at the opening of the 2013 first ordinary session of the Third Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja, said the political and security situation in the region in the last few months has been a source of concern.

"The situation in Guinea Bissau and Togo ahead of elections is disturbing, we appeal to all parties to engage in dialogue for peaceful conduct of the polls," he added.

While also noting that the crisis in Mali is under control, Ouedraogo assured that the sub-regional body will do everything possible to promote the values and principle of democracy among member nations.

He told his audience that the role played by the sub- regional body in quelling the insecurity in Mali has raised its stock before its development partners.

Ouedraogo also commended the Republic of Chad, France and other states that contributed troops to Africa led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA).

The ECOWAS Commission president paid tribute to all troops that lost their lives in the intervention efforts.

On ECOWAS Parliament, Oudraogo promised to recommend to the ECOWAS Heads of States and Governments (HoSG) the need to enhance the powers of the parliament to empower it to continue to assist in the integration process.

The President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator David Mark was full of praises for ECOWAS, saying that the regional body has lived up to expectations in upholding stability and peace in the region.

Mark also commended the regional body for standing up against undemocratic practices in the region.

He said Nigeria took the crucial decision to send a high number of troops to Mali because of the realization that terror threat in any part of the sub-region is a threat to the continent and the world.

Speaking on the enhance power sought by the regional parliament, the Speaker of the Parliament, Senator Ike Ekweremadu who expressed hope that the enhanced power for the parliament sought come to fruition, however said it was not meant to diminish the relevance of the other organs of the community.

He stressed that the essence of the power is to ensure the organ take the lead in the emergence of a stronger, more result oriented and more people responsive community.

----------Xingua, May 7, 2013

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