By Abiodun Folarin
WorldStage– The ECOWAS Parliament has adopted a far-reaching resolution aimed at strengthening regional collaboration against terrorism and violent extremism, as insecurity continues to escalate across West Africa and the Sahel.
The resolution was passed on Friday at the close of the Parliament’s 2026 First Ordinary Session in Abuja, with lawmakers urging member states to deepen intelligence sharing, tighten border security and intensify joint military operations against terrorist groups operating within the sub-region.
The regional lawmakers also directed the Speaker of the Parliament to transmit the resolution to the ECOWAS Commission for further action.
According to the Parliament, the growing threat of terrorism remains one of the gravest challenges confronting West Africa, with far-reaching implications for peace, democratic governance, economic development and regional integration.
The resolution specifically called for stronger cooperation with Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger despite their withdrawal from ECOWAS, noting that the security crisis in the Sahel continues to affect the wider West African region.
Lawmakers said the decision was partly informed by concerns over the coordinated terrorist attacks carried out in Mali on April 25, 2026, which reportedly claimed several lives, including members of the family of Mali’s Defence Minister, Gen. Sadio Camara.
The Parliament condemned the attacks, describing them as “heinous, barbaric and unacceptable,” while extending condolences to the government and people of Mali and families of the victims.
The resolution also drew from recommendations contained in reports submitted by the Parliament’s Joint Committee on Political Affairs, Peace, Security and the African Peer Review Mechanism, alongside committees on Legal Affairs, Human Rights, Social Affairs, Trade, Customs and Free Movement.
In adopting the measure, lawmakers referenced key provisions of the ECOWAS Revised Treaty and the Protocol on Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security, which guide the regional bloc’s peace and security framework.
The Parliament further commended the ECOWAS Commission for its earlier communiqué condemning the April 26 attacks and reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to restoring peace and stability across the sub-region.The lawmakers maintained that stronger regional solidarity and sustained cooperation among member states remain essential to defeating terrorism and safeguarding the future of West Africa.
