President Bola Tinubu has voiced his concerns about the increasing occurrence of coups in African nations, emphasizing the need for a unified stance against the proliferation of autocratic rule across the continent.
President Tinubu expressed his commitment to collaborating with fellow African leaders to safeguard democracy in Africa.
Tinubu made these remarks in response to the recent coup in Gabon, while international entities including the United States, United Nations, European Union, France, and the Commonwealth also expressed apprehension regarding the political developments in the Central African nation.
This coup in Gabon follows a similar event in Niger a month prior, where the democratically elected President, Mohamed Bazoum, was overthrown by Presidential Guards.
In Gabon, a group of soldiers appeared on national television, annulling election results claimed to be won by the incumbent, Ondimba Ali Bongo, and dissolving all state institutions.
The leader of the mutineers, Gen Brice Nguema, also sealed the country’s borders indefinitely.
President Ali Bongo had secured a third term after being re-elected, continuing his family’s five-decade-long rule over the oil-rich country of 2.3 million people. However, the opposition labeled the election a ‘fraud orchestrated’ by the ruling party.
Tinubu, while addressing the situation in Gabon, expressed his deep concern over the nation’s socio-political stability and the apparent spread of autocracy across different parts of the continent.
In an official statement, Tinubu’s spokesperson highlighted that the President firmly believed in placing power in the hands of Africa’s citizens rather than relying on forceful means.
Tinubu, who is leading ECOWAS’ efforts to address the Niger coup, assured his commitment to resolving the political crisis in Gabon through communication and cooperation with other African leaders.
The President’s interactions with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau centered on the crisis in Niger and the evolving situation in Gabon. Both leaders underlined the importance of upholding democratic values across the continent.
Notably, the US, EU, UN, and other entities expressed their concerns over the coup in Gabon, highlighting the significance of respecting democratic principles and constitutional governance.
The head of the African Union Commission, Moussa Mahamat, joined in condemning the coup and urged the security forces to peacefully restore democratic order.
The situation in Gabon drew the attention of various nations and international organizations, each emphasizing the importance of democratic stability and peaceful resolution.
