In Abidjan to attend a session of the Ecowas Parliament, MP Guy Marius Sagna has not changed. He made the same speeches in a tone that exasperated the Bureau of the ECOWAS Parliament, which denounced his excesses and outrageousness.

In Abidjan, Guy Marius Sagna is putting on a show at the ECOWAS Parliament. After the scene with the Vice-President of the ECOWAS Parliament, who was incensed by his remarks about heads of state, the Senegalese MP seems to have put everyone in a more or less uncomfortable situation because of his unsanitary speeches. The Parliament’s Bureau made no secret of its unease after issuing a press release denouncing the attitude of the MP for Yaw, who is one of the Senegalese representatives at this institution: “The Bureau wishes to express its deep concern and disapproval of the verbal excesses of one of our members towards the Heads of State and Government of Ecowas Member States during our sessions.” Of course, he is not named, but since the start of this session, which began on 1 July and will close today, the tensions are palpable. “As honourable Members, we are free to express our different points of view and to share our divergent opinions, provided that these points of view are guided by the values of respect, of courtesy and cooperation that underpin our regional organisation’, regrets the Parliament. 

In search of leadership: The opposition without a voice

The Parliament recognises and appreciates “the efforts of its founding fathers, who have long worked to strengthen integration and unity in order to promote peace, stability and economic development in the region”. Parliament “strongly condemns any statement or action that contradicts the principles and values of Ecowas and brings the institution into disrepute, and strongly urges all parliamentarians to continue to work in the interests of regional integration and the well-being of our peoples”.

It calls for responsibility and restraint in demonstrating its commitment “to promoting the principles of democracy, good governance and respect for human rights. Members must comply with the Additional Act and the Rules of Procedure of the Parliament of Ecowas”. Today, the Pastef MP went one step further, denouncing “dubious financial practices and blatant disregard for trade union rights within the institutions of Ecowas”. He questioned those in charge about the funds allocated to air-conditioning the parliamentary headquarters based in Abuja.  “Where has all this money gone?” asked the founder of Frapp. As in Dakar, he denounced the supposed opacity surrounding the institution’s official expenditure, the “overbilling on MPs’ plane tickets, the management of fuel for the generator…”. “Do workers have the right to organise? Are their legitimate demands being respected?” With the session due to close today, the elected members will no doubt breathe a sigh of relief.
By Justin GOMIS / justin@lequotidien.sn

  • Translation by Ndey T. SOSSEH