Democracy, good governance pivotal to achieve peace, dev’t in Africa: AUC PAPS

Addis Ababa, February 19, 2024 (FBC) – The African Union (AU) assembly of heads of state and government emphasized that democracy and good governance remain very critical for Africa to achieve sustainable peace and development in the continent.

Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, briefed the media this evening about the continent’s peace and security situation and challenges discussed at the 37th AU Ordinary Summit in Addis Ababa.

The assembly discussed the situation of peace in the continent, unconstitutional changes of government and other related issues, Commissioner Adeoye said.

He further said the assembly of heads of state and government noted the situation of peace and security, political governance on the African continent is worrisome.

“It’s concerning. Given the threats that continue to spread exponentially and the need to address this threat be they terrorism, violent extremism, radicalization, transnational organized crimes, rebellion, insurrection, and current rising of tension in many of our regions,” he stated.

African leaders have continuously expressed concern at the trend of unconditional changes of government on the African continent, the commissioner stated.

Noting that six countries have currently been suspended from the African Union for their undemocratic path to power, he stated “the assembly consistently expresses zero tolerance for unconditional changes of government.”

At same time, the assembly expressed the need to support the political transition agenda of these countries so that they can restore constitutionalism,  the rule of law and respect for basic human rights and fundamental freedoms, he added.

On other hand, Africa continues to abide by its commitments in the African Charter on democracy, elections and governance, Adeoye added.

“We have to continue to work to promote peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, in the Great Lakes region, Libya, in the Sahel, Mozambique, and these are the issues that the assembly have been seized with,” according to  commissioner Adeoye.

It is also necessary to see that we must continue to fight for democracy while condemning the various challenges related to unconditional changes of government.

Stating that the assembly has discussed the peace and security issues in detail the commissioner affirmed AU’s commitment to further strengthen its efforts to bring a lasting peace and security in the continent.

The commissioner urged the warring parties in the Sudan to come to the peace table, pledging AU’s continued support in this regard.