NIGERIAN President Bola Tinubu has delivered a passionate appeal to African leaders, emphasising the urgent need to tackle the underlying causes of
military coups across the continent. Speaking at a high-level meeting of the African Union in Kenya on Saturday, Tinubu underscored the detrimental impact of unconstitutional changes of government on Africa’s progress towards achieving sustainable development goals.
As the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Tinubu expressed concern over West Africa’s leading position in employing unconstitutional means to change governments, despite the region having multiple instruments and mechanisms promoting democracy and good governance. He highlighted the threats to peace, security, stability, as well as the consequences of poverty, displacement, and humanitarian crises resulting from this trend.
Tinubu called for concerted efforts to address the root causes of unconstitutional changes and coups d’état, stressing that progress towards the UN Agenda 2030 for sustainable development and the AU Agenda 2063 is hindered by these disruptions. He highlighted the rise in military takeovers and unconstitutional changes, with Africa witnessing six successful coups and three unsuccessful attempts since 2020, undermining democratic processes and stability on the continent.
The president urged African leaders to respect the principles of democracy and the rule of law to ensure political stability. He called on Afro-centric supranational organisations, including the African Union and regional economic communities, to adopt protocols on democracy and good governance and ensure their effective implementation. Tinubu also stressed the need for the United Nations to stand firm against military coups.
Recognising the interconnectedness of democracy and development, Tinubu highlighted the importance of commitment to democratic principles and governance for long-term peace, security, and economic growth. As the Chairperson of ECOWAS, he expressed readiness to collaborate with the UNDP and other development partners in advancing democracy in Africa.
Tinubu commended the UNDP for launching its flagship report, Soldiers and Citizens: Military Coups and the Need for Democratic Renewal in Africa, stressing that the military has no place in 21s
t-century African governance. The UNDP Regional Programme Coordinator (Africa), Jide Okeke, expressed delight at Tinubu’s presence and participation, highlighting Nigeria’s commitment to democratic values and stability.
President Tinubu’s impassioned appeal sends a strong message to African leaders, urging them to address the root causes of military coups and prioritise democratic renewal in the pursuit of sustainable development and a peaceful continent.
