The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu has appealed to members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to remain committed to ensuring that democracy remains the only form of governance in the sub-region.
President Tinubu who was speaking in his capacity as Chairman during the opening ceremony of the 64th ordinary session of the ECOWAS Authority of the Heads of State and Government, which is taking place in the State House, Abuja, asked the leaders to fight for democracy and stand against unconstitutional change of government among member states.
But he underlined that in order to ensure short-term, workable transition plans that can bring about democracy and decent governance, it is imperative that we re-engage with nations ruled by the military.
West African leaders are meeting for talks with the region in deepening crisis, after four countries fell under military rule and with risks growing from Sahel jihadist conflicts.
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After coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Niger since 2020, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) bloc also saw member states Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau claim attempted coups in recent weeks.
A French military withdrawal from the Sahel — the region along the Sahara desert across Africa — is increasing concerns over conflicts spreading south to Gulf of Guinea states Ghana, Togo, Benin and Ivory Coast.
‘These military coups are not only based on fake narrative and false justifications; they are also a driver of insecurity in the region,’ ECOWAS commission president Omar Touray said in a meeting before the summit.
Africa Today News, New York recalls that the former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo had a fortnight ago criticised Western democracy, suggesting it had not delivered good governance and development in Africa.
He called for a reexamination and moderation of democracy to better suit African nations, citing the Western model’s disregard for African history and complexities.