Ecowas Parliament Suggests Regional Security Force, Common Electoral Commission 

The dire Security and political situation in most West African countries have triggered the proposal for a regional defence force that would assist in the enforcement of security in member states. The Parliamentarians at the ongoing 2019 first Ordinary Session of the Parliament in Abuja, Nigeria also proposed that a common Ecowas electoral commission to govern elections in members states be established. During the presentations of country reports from Guinea, Mali and Niger, the Parliamentarian frowned at the level of insecurity in member states especially Mali. The country reports as presented by the Malian delegates detailed the attempt by Mali to restore stability and rebuild after series of setbacks since early 2012. The dire political situation in Mali includes Military coup d’ etat, renewed fighting between government forces and Tuareg rebels which culminates with the seizure of its northern territory by radical extremists. The suggestion that Parliament moves a motion to the authority of heads of states to consider the establishment of an Ecowas Defence Force was made by Mr. Mahama Ayariga, representing Ghana in the Ecowas Parliament.