Unconstitutional changes of government across Africa have reached worrying levels over the past year, undermining continental peace and stability, Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Gedion Timotheos warned on Thursday.
Speaking at the 48th African Union Executive Council meeting, the minister said such actions contradict the AU’s foundational principles, strain diplomatic ties between member states, and pose serious threats to regional stability.
His remarks come amid a resurgence of military takeovers in parts of West and Central Africa. coups have occurred in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger, while Gabon experienced a military takeover in August 2023.
The trend has raised alarm within the AU, which maintains a policy of non-tolerance for unconstitutional power changes and has suspended several countries in response.
Timotheos acknowledged continental achievements, including South Africa’s successful hosting of the G20 Summit and peaceful elections in multiple countries. But he stressed that the return of coups marks a significant setback to democratic progress.
He also highlighted Ethiopia’s preparations to host COP32, describing it as a strategic opportunity for Africa to lead global climate negotiations.
This is a moment when Africa’s voice carries weight on the international stage,” he said, calling for unified action among African states to confront political and economic challenges while resisting external pressures.
Sustaining peace across the continent, he added, requires every nation to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure credible electoral processes.
MG/as/APA