News:
May 12, 2019
In the midst of insecurity within the West African sub-region, Mahama Ayariga, a lawmaker in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament is advocating for a defense force for the sub-region.
According to the Bawku Central lawmaker, the community Parliament should consider debating a motion and make radical proposals to the Authority of Heads of States in addressing the issue of insecurity.
He further backed his point by arguing that, “if communities within the sub-regions seek to establish a common market, where insecurity makes it impossible for our citizens to access our various markets, there the very objectives of ECOWAS will be defeated”.
“We need defense force, which would go beyond national sovereignty and assist in enforcing basic security of our various countries, some countries are far advanced in their security capabilities and the experience would be shared with other countries”
He further added that, there must be security for “our citizens” to move and walk around boarders in each other’s market.
Mr. Mahama Ayariga made this remarks on the floor of ECOWAS Parliament, when country report of Guinea, Niger and Mali were presented and noted; “the picture painted looks very gloomy especially when we look at the security situation of the countries who had presented”, he lamented.
Guinea in its country report identified youth unemployment, socio-political crises, terrorism in the Sahel, proliferation and circulation of small arms as well as recurrent conflicts between farmers and herdsmen in rural areas as being some of the issues posing insecurity in the country.
Niger country report revealed that despite efforts made by government in areas of security, “our country continues to suffer terrorist attacks”.
The report further stated that in the face of insecurity, and in its effort of stability, it is only the restoration of the Libyan State in all its diversity will improve security in the entire Niger and Sahelo-Saharan country and the region.
In Mali, Northern Central and Southern parts, with forces present on the ground the civilian population are increasingly suffering attacks and harassments. “However Malian army is the main target of these violent deadly actions”.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/ghanamps.com/Abuja