As the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) marks its 50th anniversary, the region finds itself at a pivotal moment. Despite significant achievements in peacekeeping, economic integration, and regional mobility, West Africa faces urgent threats to democracy ranging from unconstitutional military takeovers to declining civic trust. But a new wave of parliamentary reformers may be shifting the tide.
In a high-level regional webinar co-hosted by Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica) and the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS), parliamentarians, civil society actors, and governance experts gathered to chart a new path for ECOWAS. The goal? To reposition the ECOWAS Parliament as a more visible, legitimate, and citizen-responsive institution capable of restoring public trust and defending democratic norms.
While the ECOWAS Parliament was originally created to serve as the people’s voice in regional decision-making, its potential has long remained underutilized due to limited legislative powers and a lack of direct elections. Many West Africans, especially youth, are unaware of its purpose or see it as disconnected from their daily lives.
But that narrative is changing.
Inspired by growing citizen demands and the urgent need for credible regional leadership, a number of engaged ECOWAS parliamentarians have begun actively voicing support for institutional reforms aimed at strengthening the Parliament’s relevance. During the webinar, they reached a rare consensus on key actions to revitalize the Parliament’s role. These included:
- Amending the ECOWAS Treaty to grant full legislative and oversight powers;
- Transitioning from appointed to directly elected Members of Parliament;
- Expanding public access to parliamentary sessions through live-streaming and multilingual platforms;
- Institutionalizing citizen consultations, especially with youth, women, and persons with disabilities;
- And enhancing collaboration with civil society organizations to improve civic education and public accountability.
“There is no better time than now,” one MP declared, “to bring the Parliament closer to the people. If we truly want to speak for the region, we must first be heard and trusted by our citizens.”
What made this initiative remarkable was not only the clarity of its goals but also the unity it forged across party lines and national interests. The commitments made during the webinar are already influencing regional advocacy. Members have pledged to engage their national assemblies and the ECOWAS Commission to push treaty reforms. Civil society groups, in turn, are developing joint strategies to support implementation and monitor progress.
As ECOWAS steps into its second half-century, this parliamentary awakening offers renewed hope. It signals a shift from symbolic presence to active leadership—a Parliament that not only debates policy but defends democracy, not only convenes elites but connects with citizens.
The road ahead will not be easy. But with strong leadership, strategic reforms, and sustained public engagement, the ECOWAS Parliament could become a cornerstone of democratic stability in the region.
In the words of one West African youth activist during the session:
“We don’t just want a Parliament that speaks French, English, or Portuguese. We want one that speaks our truth.”
Story By: Cynthia Afi Dzudzor
