President Bola Tinubu spoke on Saturday in Nairobi, Kenya, urging African leaders to uphold democracy, adhere to the rule of law, and maintain political stability.
He specifically warned against military coups in the West African region and across the African continent, pointing out that such events hinder development.
In his address at a high-level event arranged by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) during the Fifth Mid-Year African Union (AU) Coordination Meeting, President Tinubu insisted on the importance of democratic renewal.
He stressed that coups d’état should be avoided, especially in the face of contemporary challenges like 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 regret that West Africa, despite its numerous frameworks and mechanisms for promoting democracy and good governance, is leading in the use of unconstitutional methods to change governments.
He cautioned that this disturbing trend of military involvement in politics poses threats to peace, security, and stability, and causes poverty, displacement, and humanitarian crises.
As per a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Dele Alake President Tinubu said, “We, therefore, must take deliberate steps to address the root causes of unconstitutional changes and coups d’état in Africa.”
He stressed that the continent could not progress towards the goals of the UN Agenda 2030 for sustainable development, or the AU Agenda 2063, with these disruptions.
President Tinubu reiterated that democracy, while it may have management challenges, is the most suitable form of government for 21st-century Africa.
He noted that democracy guarantees good governance, inclusivity, transparency, and accountability.
The President urged the United Nations to adopt a strict position against military coups and reinforced the interconnection between democracy and development for achieving sustainable goals and long-term peace, security, and economic growth.
As Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Tinubu assured his readiness to work with the UNDP and other partners to promote democracy in Africa.
He expressed his gratitude to the UNDP for the invitation to speak and reassured them of his commitment to tackling the issue of military coups and promoting democratic renewal in Africa.
