Following the recent military coup in Gabon, which led to the removal of President Ali Bongo Ondimba, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has issued a stern warning against the erosion of the rule of law and democratic principles in Africa. President Tinubu expressed deep concern over the unfolding events in Gabon and emphasized the need to uphold the democratic instruments for resolving electoral disputes across the continent.
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President Tinubu, a staunch advocate of democratic governance, stressed that power belongs to the people and should not be wielded through force. In a conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the two leaders underscored the importance of preserving constitutional democratic governance in Africa.
Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the Nigerian President on Media and Publicity, shared President Tinubu’s perspective during a press briefing in Abuja.
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Ngelale conveyed that President Tinubu is actively engaged with other African leaders within the African Union and beyond to seek a comprehensive consensus on addressing the crisis in Gabon and containing the apparent spread of autocratic rule across the continent.
The military junta in Gabon, known as the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI), justified their takeover by citing a multifaceted crisis in the country, including institutional, political, economic, and social issues.
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The coup leaders highlighted concerns about the transparency and credibility of the general elections held on August 26, 2023, as well as the deterioration of social cohesion within Gabon.
In response to the coup, Gabon’s institutions, including the Federal Government, Senate, National Assembly, Constitutional Court, Economic, Social, and Environmental Council, and the Gabonese Elections Centre, were dissolved by the junta. Additionally, the borders of Gabon were closed indefinitely.
This turn of events places Gabon among the list of African countries that have experienced military takeovers, including Sudan, Chad, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea. The increasing occurrence of such coups has raised concerns about the stability of democratic governance across the continent.
The response of African leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, reflects a determination to prevent the spread of autocracy and to advocate for the protection of democratic principles. The events in Gabon have further galvanized efforts to uphold the rule of law, constitutional resolutions, and the mechanisms for resolving electoral disputes, all of which are essential for maintaining stability, progress, and prosperity in Africa.
