On Saturday in Nairobi, Kenya, President Bola Tinubu urged African leaders to support democracy, the rule of law, and political stability.
The President also warned against military coups in the West African sub-region and across Africa, claiming that they stifle growth.
The President urged African military institutions and governments to recognize and respect the need for democratic renewal in a statement delivered at a high-level event organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on the sidelines of the Fifth Mid-Year African Union (AU) Coordination Meeting.
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The Nigerian leader, who is also the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, stated that coups should be avoided on the continent, particularly in the face of difficulties such as the COVID-19 pandemic, insecurity, and climate change.
In his statement, presented by Ambassador Adamu Ibrahim Lamuwa, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the President expressed regret that, despite its numerous instruments and mechanisms for promoting democracy and good governance, West Africa is leading other regions in the use of unconstitutional means to change governments.
He cautioned that the military’s foray into politics is endangering peace, security, and stability, as well as fueling poverty, displacement, and humanitarian disasters.
According to Mr. Dele Alake, Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, Tinubu stated, “This ugly trend has only succeeded in threatening the sub-region’s peace, security, and stability, and, by extension, the African continent, leaving in its wake poverty, internally displaced people, and humanitarian crisis.”
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“In the same vein, this ugly trend has also led to food shortages and escalated health challenges.
“We, therefore, must take deliberate steps to address the root causes of unconstitutional changes and coups d’état in Africa.
“As a continent, we cannot make progress toward achieving the goals and targets of the UN Agenda 2030 for sustainable development, as well as those of AU Agenda 2063 for the ‘Africa We Want’.
“Between 2020 and now, Africa has witnessed six successful coups d’état and three unsuccessful attempts. This rise in military takeovers and unconstitutional changes in government disrupts our democratic processes and undermine stability on the continent.
“It is for this reason that I call on all African leaders at all levels to make concerted efforts in respecting the tenets of democracy and the rule of law, in order to ensure political stability on the continent,” he said.
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“I call on all Afro-centric supranational organizations, especially the African Union, the various regional economic communities, and regional mechanisms, to individually and collectively adopt protocols on democracy and good governance, and ensure their effective implementation,” President Tinubu said, reiterating that Africa has no intention of regressing on its democratic gains and credentials, as well as its maturing democratic political culture.
While conceding that democracy may create management and dynamics issues, President Tinubu emphasized that it is the finest form of governance for Africa in the twenty-first century.
He highlighted that democracy ensures good governance, inclusivity, transparency, and accountability, drawing a parallel between military rule and democratic regimes.
The ECOWAS Chairperson asked the United Nations to take a hard stance against military coups, emphasizing the need to disincentivize them.
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He also stated that democracy and development are inextricably linked in accomplishing long-term goals and the African vision, and that adherence to democratic values and governance is critical for long-term peace, security, and economic prosperity.
The President underlined his willingness to engage with the UNDP and other development partners to further the cause of democracy on the African continent as Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
The Nigerian leader expressed gratitude to UNDP for inviting him to offer a goodwill message at the occasion and assured the organization of his commitment to addressing the issue of military coups and supporting democratic renewal in Africa.
The African Regional Coordinator said the UNDP flagship report is timely in furthering Nigeria’s objective of stability for West Africa and the continent as a whole.
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The report, he explained, includes empirical facts, literature, and personal tales from citizens who have lived through coups, compared their experiences with those of countries transitioning to democracy.
Dr. Mamadou Tangara, Gambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambian Abroad, Dr. Hanna Tetteh, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Amb. Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and the African Union Commission all spoke at the event.
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