Tinubu Urges African Leaders To Respect Democracy, Urges UN To Take Firm Stance Against Coups
In a compelling address delivered at a distinguished event organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on the sidelines of the Fifth Mid-Year African Union (AU) Coordination Meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria passionately called upon his fellow African leaders to uphold democracy, respect the rule of law, and prioritize political stability within the continent.
President Tinubu, who also serves as the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, emphasized the imperative for African military institutions and states to acknowledge and honor the significance of democratic renewal. He underscored the pressing need to discourage coup d’états on the continent, particularly considering the formidable challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, insecurity, and climate change.
Represented by Ambassador Adamu Ibrahim Lamuwa, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Tinubu expressed deep regret over the prevailing circumstance in West Africa. Despite the existence of numerous instruments and mechanisms in the region to promote democracy and good governance, West Africa has unfortunately become a frontrunner in employing unconstitutional means to effect regime changes. The President cautioned that this distressing trend, with military interference in political affairs, gravely threatens peace, security, and stability. It further exacerbates poverty, displacement, and humanitarian crises.
President Tinubu further said, “The repercussions of this unfortunate pattern are evident in the sub-region, as well as across the entire African continent. It leaves in its wake poverty, internally displaced persons, and humanitarian crises. Furthermore, it contributes to food shortages and exacerbates 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.”
Source: Arise Television
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