By Ubong Sampson
Nigeria’s Vice President, Yemi Osibanjo has described the recent coup d’ètat and forceful seizure or power by military forces in the Republic of Guinea and similar events in the West African sub-region as a brazen disregard for the provisions of the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) protocol on democracy and good governance.
Speaking while representing President Muhammadu Buhari at a virtual Extraordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of States and Governments of ECOWAS member-states on the political developments in the Republics of Guinea and Mali, Osibanjo said ECOWAS must take proactive steps to prevent coups d’etat in the sub-region, and even on the continent, as according to him, the unconstitutional seizure of power in any shape or form is simply unacceptable and has no place in 21st century.
Stating Nigeria’s position on the unfortunate development in Guinea, the vice president condemned the act which he described as an unconstitutional change of government, adding that the development was one that could seriously destabilize the Republic of Guinea.
“We are sliding back to the infamous 60s. Our zero-tolerance for coups is important but clearly insufficient. Are there further steps that we can take to prevent coups d’etat? Could we, for example, work out an understanding with the UN, AU, Commonwealth and possibly, even the development finance institutions we are a part of to act in unity to suspend a country where there has been a seizure of power from all these bodies simultaneously?”
“What happened in Guinea is a brazen disregard for the provisions of ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which clearly states that every accession to power must be made through free, fair and transparent election”, the VP stressed.
While noting that it was imperative that countries in the sub-region respect the provisions against unconstitutional accession to power and apply same in all instances, he also called on the authority to immediately invoke the provisions of Article 45 of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance by suspending Guinea from all ECOWAS decision-making bodies and statutory meetings.
“We should also take any other necessary punitive measures that will ensure that the military junta does not overstay in power. We must forestall a repeat of military interventions and the instability it engenders in the West African sub-region. In this connection, Nigeria wishes to once again urge all to always respect the principles of democracy and the constitutions of your respective countries,” Osibanjo added
The VP further suggested to the ECOWAS Commission to appoint a mediator to lead the region’s genuine engagement with the military junta, all political actors, as well as civil society groups in Guinea towards finding a lasting solution that will return the country to democratic rule as soon as possible.
“ECOWAS must use its regional mechanisms efficiently to engage the military junta and if necessary, provide support for them to return the country to normalcy and democratic rule.”
Other suggestions he gave towards a lasting solution to the unfortunate development in Guinea included measures towards ensuring the physical safety, as well as the immediate and unconditional release of President Condé and all those detained along with him by the military junta.
“The safety of lives and property of the people of Guinea must also be guaranteed. The military must draw up a timetable for a civilian-led transition and commence the process of exiting the Guinean political stage and return the country to constitutional order and civilian rule,” Osinbajo stressed further.
In the same vein, speaking on the update on the situation in Mali, Vice President Osinbajo commended former President Goodluck Jonathan “for his continued commitment and engagement with the various stakeholders in Mali.”
“Let me reiterate the imperative for the Malian Transitional government to strictly respect the electoral timetable unveiled on 15th April 2021. I further call for the continued support and collaboration of all the major players in the country’s march towards a successful transition.”
The VP then emphasized that “Nigeria will continue to closely monitor the situations in Guinea and Mali as well as work with the ECOWAS Commission, the African Union, and other Member-States to facilitate the return of both countries to civil governance.”
Prof. Osinbajo also commended the Chairman of the Authority for convening the virtual Extraordinary Summit.
The meeting, attended by 10 of the ECOWAS leaders, alongside others, including representatives from the United Nations, comes after Guinean President, Alpha Conde, was ousted by a coup d’etat in the West African country on September 5.
The event had culminated to Conde’s arrest and detention by the country’s military junta, the dissolution of the Guinean Government, suspension of the Constitution, and a military takeover.
