ECOWAS calls for ‘Stronger’ Democratic Institutions to Prevent Military Coups

Omar Touray, President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has called for stronger regional democratic institutions.

Touray disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during an annual lecture organised by the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria.

The President of the ECOWAS bloc further pointed out that persistent poverty, youth unemployment, and glaring inequality have contributed to public distrust in political systems, providing opportunities for military intervention.

At some point, we thought we were at cruising speed with no coup d’état, with no unconstitutional change of government. Still, all that seems to be threatened by the re-emergence of unconstitutional activities, he said.

Speaking on military interventions, Touray cited the NATO-led intervention leading to Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi fall and the destabilisation of West Africa.

The dangerous cocktail of terrorism, popular discontent, and dissatisfaction with democratic dividends has given the military all the excuses they need to return to politics, he warned.

Having cited these setbacks, Touray expressed hope for the future of democracy in West Africa.

The future of democracy in West Africa lies in building stronger institutions and creating an inclusive political environment where citizens feel empowered, Touray concluded.

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Mayowa Durosinmi

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M. Durosinmi is a West Africa Weekly investigative reporter covering Politics, Human Rights, Health, and Security in West Africa and the Sahel Region

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