President Bola Tinubu has emphasised the importance of upholding democracy and the rule of law while advocating for action against military coups in Africa.

Speaking at a prestigious event organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) during the Fifth Mid-Year African Union (AU) Coordination Meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, the president urged African leaders to prioritize political stability and urged the United Nations to take a strong stance against coup attempts.

President Tinubu, who also serves as the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, called on African military institutions and states to recognize and respect the necessity of democratic renewal.

He highlighted the detrimental effects of coups d’état, especially considering the challenges faced by the continent, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, insecurity, and climate change.

The president expressed regret that “West Africa, despite possessing numerous mechanisms and instruments for promoting democracy and good governance, leads other regions in resorting to unconstitutional means of changing governments.”

He cautioned that military intervention in politics poses threats to peace, security, and stability, resulting in poverty, displacement, and humanitarian crises.

According to a statement by his spokesman, Dele Alake, President Tinubu emphasised that the current trend of coups only hinders progress and development in the sub-region and the entire African continent.

“It exacerbates food shortages, health challenges, and other pressing issues.”

He stressed the need for deliberate action to address the root causes of unconstitutional changes and coups d’état in Africa.

Highlighting the concerning statistics, President Tinubu pointed out that “Africa has witnessed six successful coups d’état and three unsuccessful attempts between 2020 and the present.”

“These military takeovers and unconstitutional changes disrupt democratic processes and undermine stability on the continent,” he said.

Concluding his statement, the president called on all African leaders, regardless of their positions, to make concerted efforts in respecting democratic principles and the rule of law, ultimately ensuring political stability across the continent.

He emphasised that this commitment is essential for achieving the goals and targets of both the UN Agenda 2030 for sustainable development and the AU Agenda 2063 for the envisioned “Africa We Want.”