ECOWAS Parliament adopts resolution to end terrorism in sub-region

The ECOWAS Parliament has adopted a draft resolution aimed at ending terrorism and violent extremism across West Africa. The parliament adopted the resolution at the end of its two-week 2026 First Ordinary Session, which was held in Abuja. They also mandated the Speaker of the Parliament to forward the resolution to the President of the […]

The ECOWAS Parliament has adopted a draft resolution aimed at ending terrorism and violent extremism across West Africa.

The parliament adopted the resolution at the end of its two-week 2026 First Ordinary Session, which was held in Abuja.

They also mandated the Speaker of the Parliament to forward the resolution to the President of the ECOWAS Commission for further necessary action.

According to the lawmakers, terrorism eradication is one of the major challenges currently facing West Africa and humanity, hence the need for member states to devote greater efforts to it.

The resolution urged member states to strengthen cooperation among themselves and intensify cooperation with the breakaway Sahel countries on intelligence sharing, border security and joint military operations against terrorist groups.

The parliament said the resolution was informed by members’ deep concern over the April 25 multiple terrorist attacks in Mali, which claimed the lives of the Defence Minister, Gen. Sadio Camara, his family members, among others.

It said the resolution was adopted against the backdrop of the “relevant provisions of the Protocol relating to the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security.”

In adopting the resolution, the regional parliament said it was also “mindful of the provisions of Articles 6 and 13 of the Revised Treaty relating to ECOWAS institutions and the Community Parliament’s establishment.”

It further said that parliament was also “mindful of the Declaration of Political Principles by the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, adopted in July 1991 in Abuja.”

Speaking with journalists at the end of the Session, Hon. Dominic Napara of Ghana and Hon. Amodu Camera of The Gambia, said terrorism and political instability in the Sahel remain among the most serious threats confronting West Africa.

Dominic said the security challenges in the Sahel have direct consequences for neighbouring countries, including Nigeria and Ghana, stressing that terrorism is a common enemy that demands a united response.

“Whatever happens in those countries affects all of us. Terrorism is a common enemy, and we must work together to confront it,” he said.

Dominic also stressed that despite the political disagreements that led to the withdrawal of the three countries, there are still common protocols and areas of cooperation that should be maintained in the interest of ordinary West Africans.

Hon. Amodu Camera described the Sahel crisis as one of the most complex and pressing challenges facing ECOWAS.

He said the Parliament’s Political Affairs Committee had extensively deliberated on the situation and forwarded recommendations to the ECOWAS Commission and Council of Ministers for implementation.

Camera explained that while the ECOWAS Parliament plays an advisory and oversight role, implementation of its resolutions rests with the ECOWAS Commission, the Council of Ministers and national governments.