Tinubu canvasses regional military force to counter coup threats

President Bola Tinubu expressed deep concern over the recent military coups in West Africa, describing them as tragic democracy reversals.

As the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, he called for discussions on strengthening the regional bloc to establish well-funded standby military forces to combat military takeovers and terrorism in the region.

Tinubu highlighted the alarming trend of military coups in Mali, Guinea Conakry, Burkina Faso, Niger Republic, and Gabon, emphasizing the need to address these challenges.

Despite acknowledging the despair caused by these events, he remained hopeful citing successful elections in Liberia, Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria as sources of optimism for democracy in the region.

At a summit in Abuja focused on the State of Democracy in Africa, Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Tinubu who emphasized the importance of African leaders upholding constitutional principles such as term limits, conducting fair elections, and maintaining independent institutions.

This was highlighted in a statement released by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, on Wednesday.

Tinunu emphasized that Nigeria has gained valuable insights from past challenges, highlighting the importance of enhancing democracy to address issues of poor governance.

He also stressed the necessity of fostering economic integration and cooperation at sub-regional levels to fully leverage the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Additionally, Tinunu urged regional organizations to prioritize reducing trade barriers and focus on promoting sustainable economic growth, developing human capital, and adding value in agriculture and related sectors.

The vast potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area will only be fully realized through strong economic integration and collaboration at various sub-regional levels.

It is essential to explore ways in which African sub-regional organizations can enhance intra-African trade, ensure food and energy security, increase youth employment, reduce poverty, and bring greater prosperity to our people, emphasized the President.

President Tinubu stressed the importance of revitalized sub-regional cooperation in effectively implementing the groundbreaking AfCFTA by aligning rules and regulations to facilitate the free movement of goods, services, and people.

Asserting that Africa must no longer be a passive recipient of global economic dynamics with struggling economies, President Tinubu urged for concrete actions through revamped regional entities to boost trade, strengthen security, and establish constitutional democracy for progress and prosperity.

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo highlighted that re-evaluating the inherited colonial model of democracy is key to addressing the numerous challenges facing democracy in Africa.

He called on leaders throughout the continent to collaborate in creating a unique form of democracy that considers historical experiences, tackles current challenges, and prioritizes qualities such as effective leadership, robust institutions, and a prosperous middle class, all rooted in Africa’s diverse cultural heritage.

In a message of goodwill, the UN Deputy Secretary-General and Chair of the Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Amina Mohammed, emphasized the importance of women and youth actively participating in political processes to enhance democracy in Africa.

She highlighted the need for authorities to enforce laws effectively, uphold principles of accountability, and increase investment in democratic institutions as crucial elements for sustaining democracy in Africa and globally.