In Nairobi, Kenya, President Bola Tinubu appealed to African leaders on Saturday to uphold democratic principles and the rule of law to ensure political stability across the continent.
Addressing a high-profile event convened by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) alongside the Fifth Mid-Year African Union (AU) Coordination Meeting, President Tinubu emphasised the importance of democratic rejuvenation to African military institutions and nations.
As the incumbent Chairperson of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Tinubu discouraged the proliferation of coup d’états on the continent, particularly amidst significant challenges like the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, mounting insecurity, and climate change.
The President’s statements were conveyed by Ambassador Adamu Ibrahim Lamuwa, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He expressed concern that West Africa, despite possessing numerous instruments and mechanisms to foster democracy and good governance, leads other regions in the unconstitutional overthrowing of governments.
President Tinubu warned that this disturbing trend of military intervention in political affairs poses grave threats to peace, security, and stability, thereby exacerbating poverty, displacement, and humanitarian crises.
“This worrying pattern threatens the peace, security, and stability of our sub-region and, consequently, the African continent, leading to impoverishment, internal displacement, and humanitarian crises. It also contributes to food shortages and escalating health challenges,” he declared.
“We must take conscious steps to tackle the root causes of unconstitutional changes and coups d’état in Africa. As a continent, we cannot progress towards fulfilling the goals and targets of the UN Agenda 2030 for sustainable development, nor those of the AU Agenda 2063 for the ‘Africa We Want’”.
“Since 2020, Africa has seen six successful coups d’état and three unsuccessful attempts. This surge in military takeovers and unconstitutional alterations in government disrupts our democratic processes and undermines stability on the continent,” he added.
Urging all African leaders to respect democratic values and the rule of law, he underscored the importance of ensuring political stability on the continent. President Tinubu reiterated Africa’s steadfast commitment to its democratic credentials and growing political culture.
“I urge all Afro-centric supranational organisations, especially the African Union, various Regional Economic Communities, and Regional Mechanisms, to adopt Protocols on democracy and good governance, and to ensure their effective implementation,” said President Tinubu.
Recognising that democracy may present challenges in terms of management and dynamics, Tinubu reaffirmed his belief that it remains the best form of government for 21st-century Africa.
Image Credit: Bola Tinubu/Twitter
