Mathew Amaechi
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament has ushered in sweeping reforms to bolster professionalism and respect among its members, adopting stringent new rules that prohibit lawmakers from making derogatory remarks about fellow legislators or regional heads of state.
The landmark decision, finalised during the First Ordinary Session of 2025 in Abuja, signals a bold effort to reinforce accountability and curb disruptive behaviour within the regional body.
Central to the revised Rules of Procedure is a ban on insults directed at peers or West African leaders — a move aimed at fostering “parliamentary transparency, accountability, and effective governance,” according to MP Billay Tunkara, Fourth Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee overseeing the amendments.
The rules also introduce strict penalties for absenteeism: members who miss one-third of an ordinary session without justification will face sanctions, including suspension of their sitting allowances.
Beyond curbing disrespect, the reforms prioritise gender and language balance in committee appointments, ensuring diverse representation across the 15-nation bloc. A formal dress code has also been codified to “reflect the parliament’s dignity,” while sessions will now require a quorum of at least 50 members to commence. To uphold impartiality, the Parliament’s Speaker must temporarily hand over duties to a Deputy Speaker before participating in debates.
“These amendments are designed to enhance attendance, discipline, and the overall quality of debate,” stated the parliamentary document, underscoring the institution’s commitment to elevating its legislative standards.
The changes come amid ECOWAS’s ongoing challenges, including political instability in member states and criticisms over its enforcement of democratic norms.
The First Ordinary Session, which began on Tuesday, is set to conclude on May 31. It also sets the stage for the Parliament’s 25th anniversary celebrations in November, with events planned to promote regional integration and cooperation.
The reforms mark a pivotal shift for ECOWAS as it seeks to recalibrate its role in a region grappling with coups, economic pressures, and shifting alliances. By mandating respect and accountability, the Parliament aims to lead by example — though the true test will lie in members’ adherence to these principles in the months ahead.
