Military takeovers on the continent are not acceptable, according to the African Union.
The Union contends that continental coup plotters would be better served by embracing democracy and peace that are aimed toward national development.
Bankole Adeoye, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security for the African Union, issued the call in advance of the anticipated March 18, 2024, 2nd AU Reflection Forum on Unconstitutional Changes of Government.
“The African Union has championed democracy, constitutionalism, the rule of law, and sustainable development through our leaders over the past ten years. However, there are still many issues to address, including poverty, transnational organized crime, violent extremism, and terrorism. To address these, we must all vigorously and frontally defend democracy.”
It is imperative to reiterate that, despite its limitations, democracy continues to be the most effective form of government, and we have long questioned why. Mr. Adeoye said, “It is inclusive, we all have a part to play in preserving democracy, and we must unite for democracy throughout Africa.
He went on: “The African Union decided in March 2022 to come to Accra to rally all actors to defend and uphold democracy because the new trend posed by military rulers to return our continent to its past will not be tolerated and accepted.” As a result, in 2022, we drafted the Accra Declaration, which our heads of state approved.
