The African Union has issued a stern caution against the occurrence of military coups throughout the continent, emphasising the paramount importance of preserving peace and democracy as crucial drivers of development.

As preparations unfold for the 2nd AU Reflection Forum on Unconstitutional Changes of Government, slated for March 18, 2024, Bankole Adeoye, serving as the African Union’s Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, highlighted the imperative of sustaining peace and democratic governance across Africa to facilitate the much-needed progress.

In the lead-up to the forum, Adeoye emphasized the critical role that upholding peace and democratic principles plays in fostering development across the continent.

Stressing the significance of adherence to constitutional processes and the rule of law, the African Union underscored its commitment to thwarting any attempts at undermining democratic governance through unconstitutional means.

“Over the past ten years, the African Union has continued through our leaders to champion democracy, constitutionalism, the rule of law, as well as sustainable development, but the multiplicity of challenges remains terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime and poverty and to address this, we must all frontally and robustly defend democracy.

“It is necessary to restate that democracy, with its shortcomings, remains the best form of governance and we have always asked why. It is inclusive and we all have a role to play in safeguarding democracy and all of us in Africa must rally for democracy.”

The forum will serve as a platform for African nations to deliberate on strategies and mechanisms to prevent and address any potential threats to constitutional order.

By reaffirming its stance against military takeovers and reiterating the importance of peace and democracy, the African Union aims to strengthen collective efforts towards ensuring stability and advancement across the African continent.