ECOWAS Parliament Adopts Resolution to End Rising Terrorism in West Africa

The ECOWAS Parliament has approved a draft resolution aimed at curbing the growing threat of terrorism and violent extremism across West Africa.

The resolution was adopted on Friday at the close of the parliament’s 2026 First Ordinary Session, a two-week gathering held in Abuja, Nigeria.

Lawmakers also mandated the Speaker to forward the resolution to the President of the ECOWAS Commission for further action.

Why It Matters

According to the parliament, terrorism is one of the region’s most pressing challenges. Member states are urged to devote greater efforts to combating the scourge, which has threatened peace, security, and stability in West Africa.

Key Provisions of the Resolution

The resolution calls on member states to:

· Strengthen cooperation among themselves in the fight against terrorism.
· Intensify collaboration with breakaway Sahel countries — the hardest-hit by the crisis — on intelligence sharing, border security, and joint military operations.

Trigger for the Resolution

The parliament said the resolution was driven by deep concern over the April 25 multiple terrorist attacks in Mali, which killed Defence Minister Gen. Sadio Camara, members of his family, and others.

The text also acknowledges the destabilising impact of terrorism on Mali, the Sahel, and the wider West African region — undermining democratic governance, economic development, and regional integration.

Legal and Political Backing

The parliament noted that the resolution aligns with:

· The joint committee report on Political Affairs, Peace, Security, APRM, Legal Affairs, Human Rights, Social Affairs, Gender, Trade, and Free Movement.
· Relevant provisions of the protocol on conflict prevention, management, resolution, peacekeeping, and security.
· Articles 6 and 13 of the Revised Treaty relating to ECOWAS institutions and the Community Parliament’s establishment.
· The Declaration of Political Principles adopted by ECOWAS heads of state in Abuja, July 1991.

Lawmakers also praised the ECOWAS Commission for its April 26 communiqué condemning what it called “barbaric and unacceptable terrorist attacks.”

Direct Excerpts From the Resolution

Article 1:
“Strongly condemns the heinous, barbaric and unacceptable terrorist attacks of 25 April 2026 in certain localities of Mali, such as Bamako, Kati, Gao, Kidal, Mopti and Sévaré.”

Article 2:
“Expresses sincere condolences and sympathy to the Government and people of Mali, as well as to the families of all the victims.”