Political Science lecturer, Dr. Abdul Jalilu Ateku, is of the view that the current coup in Guinea and other instances of political instability in the West African sub-region is as a result of the lack of leadership on the part of the Africa Union to ensure that Presidential term limits are adhered to per the dictates of the member countries’ constitution.
This he believes, will go along way to strengthening democracy in the sub-region.
Dr. Abdul Jalilu Ateku also cited the instances in some countries in the sub-region where democracy and the rule of law have been set aside in favour of dictatorship.
Speaking on The PointofView on Citi TV following the coup in Guinea, the Political Science lecturer, called for the strict adherence to the Africa Charter on democracy, elections and governance, Article 23 (5) which stipulates that; “Any amendment or revision of the constitution or legal instruments, which is an infringement on the principles of democratic change of government” constitutes an unconstitutional change of government and shall draw appropriate sanctions from the Africa Union.
“The region is not that stable” Dr. Abdul Jalilu Ateku said, and further criticised both the AU and ECOWAS for failing to take action against member states where military engaged in acts of political instability.
“The region is not that stable… the other aspect has to do with the failure or the inability of the Africa Union or the International Security interlocutors in region to hold governments and Presidents accountable as far as the term limits are concerned.”
“The constitutive act or Africa Union’s Africa charter on democracy, elections and Governance proscribes the changes of term limits. Whenever we have some of these military adventurism, how the AU or ECOWAS responds to some of them, in some situations they tend to accept without taking stringent measures against those involved” he said.
Return Guinea to constitutional order – ECOWAS directs military
President Akufo-Addo and the Heads of State of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), have condemned the coup d’état staged in Guinea on Sunday, September 5, 2021 and demanded a swift return to constitutional rule.
In a statement signed by President Akufo-Addo who is also the Chair of the bloc, ECOWAS asked for the immediate and unconditional release of President Alpha Condé as well as others arrested.
Instability is rising in West Africa, leaders must sit up – D.K. Osei
Retired diplomat, D.K. Osei, believes Ghanaians should be concerned about the latest instance of political instability in West Africa following the Guinea coup.
Political crisis and the threats of extremist elements in most West African countries have led him to conclude that the indicators of instability in the sub-region “are very highly pronounced.”
Aside from the Guinea coup, there have been two coups in Mali, and one attempt in Niger.
“For anybody in the sub-region to think that this sub-region is very stable, we are in serious disillusionment,” Mr. Osei said on The Point of View on Citi TV on Monday.
Moving forward, he urged ECOWAS and the African Union to focus on measures that prevent the instability.
