President Bola Tinubu has called upon African leaders to uphold democracy, the rule of law, and ensure political stability, while also urging the United Nations to adopt a strong stance against military coups.
His remarks were made during a high-level event organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nairobi, Kenya, held in conjunction with the Fifth Mid-Year African Union (AU) Coordination Meeting.
President Tinubu, who also serves as the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, emphasized the importance of African military institutions and states recognizing and respecting the need for democratic renewal.
He stressed the need to discourage coups d’état on the continent, particularly in the face of challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, insecurity, and climate change.
Presented on behalf of the President by Ambassador Adamu Ibrahim Lamuwa, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the statement expressed regret that West Africa, despite having numerous instruments and mechanisms for promoting democracy and good governance, is witnessing a higher incidence of unconstitutional means being used to change governments compared to other regions.
President Tinubu warned that the concerning trend of military interference in the political arena is jeopardizing peace, security, and stability, while also exacerbating poverty, displacement, and humanitarian crises.