ECOWAS Parliament at 25: A Legacy of Regional Integration and a Call for Reform
The ECOWAS Parliament celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025, a milestone marked during the opening of its first annual session in Abuja, Nigeria. Newly appointed President of the Parliament, Mémounatou Ibrahima of Togo, delivered a powerful address reflecting on achievements while urging renewed commitment to regional integration. Mémounatou Ibrahima: “Integration Is a Daily Choice” While celebrating progress, Ibrahima emphasized that regional unity requires continuous effort: “This silver anniversary must remind us that integration is not an inevitable destiny, but a daily choice.” Under her leadership, the Parliament seeks to deepen cooperation among national assemblies, resolve political crises collaboratively, and foster more concrete links between ECOWAS member states. Air Transport: A Barrier to Integration One major concern raised was the cost of air travel in West Africa. At a technical meeting in Lomé (May 5–10), experts revealed: 172 distinct taxes affecting […]