Tackle Terrorism and Coups with Regional Military

Tackle Terrorism and Coups with Regional Military Forces: Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has pushed for giving regional blocs the authority to create reserve armed forces to thwart acts of terrorism and military adventurers

he also advocated for the building of regional economic communities in order to promote commerce and integration among

African countries, deepen democracy, and hasten development throughout the continent.

In order to usher in an era of robust intra-African commerce, economic growth, and job creation, called for the

revitalization of sub-regional blocs like the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the East African Community (EAC), and the

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). He made this call yesterday in Abuja during the Summit on the State of Democracy in Africa.

Tinubu who was represented by vice President Kashim Shettima acknowledged the “despair about democratic reversals”

brought about by recent military takeovers but voiced hope for the outcomes of the elections that were held successfully in Liberia, Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria.

In a keynote speech, Tinubu stated that the tragedies of our nations and histories inspire our concern about the reversals of

democratic governments, particularly in West Africa, the military takeovers in Mali, Guinea Conakry, Burkina Faso, Niger Republic, and Gabon are cause for concern.

On the other hand, he supported talks about giving regional blocs the authority to create well-funded reserve armies “to

help contain military adventurers and the rampaging waves of terrorism and religious extremism.”

The president went on to say that tangible economic integration and cooperation at the various sub-regional levels are

necessary for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to reach its full potential.

He called on the regional organizations to give priority to lowering trade barriers, encouraging equitable and sustainable economic growth,

developing human capital, and adding value to the agricultural and agro-allied sectors.

In order to accomplish democratic consolidation, he called on African leaders to uphold fundamental principles like term limits and to

guarantee legitimate elections and independent institutions by means of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).

He said, “This summit has to address how the APRM can help achieve democratic consolidation and good governance throughout the continent.

Declaring that Africa can no longer remain the “doormat of the world with street beggar economies,” Tinubu demanded that in order to

promote commerce, strengthen security, and firmly establish constitutional democracy, regional structures be reinvented and given new life.

During his keynote address, former President Olusegun Obasanjo stated that reexamining the democratic model that their colonial masters left

behind would help address the numerous challenges facing African democracy. He further stated that leaders from all over the continent must

collaborate to create a type of contextual democracy that considers historical lessons, tackles current issues, and prioritizes strong institutions,

stable middle-class communities, and effective leadership—all of which are reflections of Africa’s rich cultural legacy.

The former president stated that the model that will work for Africa is one that takes into account the typical and dominant political system and is

“suitably and appropriately placed to serve the objectives of the African people,” voicing concern over the growing dissatisfaction with democracy across the continent.

In her goodwill message, the UN deputy secretary-general and chair of the Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Amina Mohammed, stated that

African democracy will be strengthened by women and young people actively participating in politics and other decision-making processes.

Noting that these are essential to the survival of democracy in Africa and beyond, she called attention to the authorities on the continent on the proper

application of laws, compliance with accountability principles, and increased investment in democratic institutions.

Among those in attendance were Prof. Gyimah Boadi, co-founder of Afrobarometer, Dr. Ebrima Sall, executive director of Trust Africa, and Mr. Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation.