Ambassador Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), expressed concerns about the recent military takeovers witnessed in several African countries, stating that these coups are setbacks to the continent’s progress and prosperity.
Speaking in New York to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Muhammad-Bande emphasized that any deviation from the democratic principles enshrined in the constitutions of regional and continental bodies, such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU), represents a setback for Africa.
Muhammad-Bande remarks come in light of the succession of military coups occurring across Africa, with the most recent one taking place in Gabon.
Prior to Gabon, military coups were observed in Niger in July, Burkina Faso in 2022, and in Chad, Guinea, Sudan, and Mali in preceding years. Apart from Myanmar in 2021, all recent coups have occurred on the African continent.
The Nigerian envoy stressed that African nations have fought for their sovereignty and should have the freedom to determine their own paths. He emphasized that is crucial to call out any deviation from the democratic path and to educate those who may not fully understand the implications of military rule.
He asserted that military rule is not the direction Africa, or the subregion aspires to follow and that the continent values the right of the people to choose their own destiny within their country’s constitution.
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Muhammad-Bande highlighted that the commitment to uphold democracy is well-established in the charters of both the AU and ECOWAS, and these principles are not new or arbitrary. He stressed the importance of adhering to the norms and values outlined in these organizations.
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The envoy also revealed that Nigeria would continue to actively participate in ECOWAS, AU, and the UN, including the ongoing 78th session of the UN General Assembly.
Amb. Muhammad-Bande told the News Agency of Nigeria that Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar will provide further details on Nigeria’s stance on various issues during the session.
He further emphasized that Nigeria remains committed to upholding ECOWAS, AU, and the UN, and any actions contrary to the pursuit of peaceful and prosperous societies are considered setbacks that need to be addressed within the framework of these organizations.
