Tinubu in Kenya Advocates Democracy and Rule of Law for Africa
Saturday in Nairobi, Kenya, the president of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urged African leaders to uphold democracy, the rule of law, and political stability.
Tinubu also urged African military institutions and states to recognize and respect the need for democratic renewal, stating that coups d’état should be discouraged on the continent, particularly in the face of challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, insecurity, and climate change.
In a statement delivered at the event by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Adamu Ibrahim Lamuwa, the president expressed regret that West Africa, despite its numerous instruments and mechanisms for promoting democracy and good governance, is leading other regions in the use of unconstitutional means to change governments.
Tinubu warned that the ugliness of the military’s intrusion into politics endangers peace, security, and stability and causes poverty, displacement, and humanitarian crises.
He stated, “This ugly trend has only succeeded in endangering the peace, security, and stability of the sub-region and, by extension, the entire African continent, leaving in its wake poverty, internally displaced persons, and a humanitarian crisis.” Similarly, this unsightly trend has also contributed to food shortages and intensified health issues.
“Therefore, we must proactively address the fundamental causes of unconstitutional changes and coups d’état in Africa. We cannot make progress toward attaining the goals and objectives of the UN Agenda 2030 for sustainable development and the African Union Agenda 2063 for the “Africa We Want” as a continent.
Africa has witnessed six effective coups d’état and three unsuccessful attempts since 2020. This increase in military coups and unconstitutional government changes disrupts our democratic processes and undermines the continent’s stability.
To guarantee political stability on the continent, I urge all African leaders at all levels to make concerted efforts to respect the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
While reiterating that Africa has no intention of regressing on its democratic gains and credentials, as well as its maturing democratic political culture, President Tinubu stated: “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.”
While acknowledging that democracy may present management and dynamics challenges, the Nigerian president insisted that it is the best form of governance for Africa in the twenty-first century.
In addition, he emphasized the need to deter coups d’état and urged the United Nations to adopt a firm stance against military coups.
“In my opinion, African leaders must discourage coups d’état while coping with the socioeconomic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and other geostrategic catastrophes, such as insecurity and climate change, among others.
“The United Nations must also stand firm and unyielding in its opposition to military coups,” he said.
He also acknowledged that democracy and development are intertwined in the pursuit of sustainable objectives and the African vision, and he added that a commitment to democratic principles and governance is essential for long-term peace, security, and economic growth.
President Tinubu thanked UNDP for inviting him to deliver a message of goodwill at the event and assured the organization of his commitment to addressing the issue of military coups and promoting democratic renewal in Africa.
“The issue of Military Coups and the need for Democratic renewal in Africa is one that I am passionate about and committed to confronting, and we are prepared to alter the narratives,” he said.
He also praised the UNDP for releasing its flagship report, “Soldiers and Citizens: Military Coups and the Need for Democratic Renewal in Africa,” declaring that the military has no role in the governance of Africa in the twenty-first century.
Tinubu in Kenya Advocates Democracy and Rule of Law for Africa
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