ECOWAS, UN condemn Guinea coup

The recent coup d'état in Guinea led by elite soldiers has sent shockwaves through the West African region and drawn condemnation from regional bloc ECOWAS and the United Nations. The soldiers, who have imposed a nationwide curfew and replaced regional governors with military officials, are set to meet with President Alpha Conde's cabinet ministers and top officials, further cementing their control over the country. To delve deeper into the implications of this coup, CNBC Africa spoke with political affairs analyst, Achike Chude, to get insights into the evolving political landscape in the region. Chude expressed his concerns over the recurring theme of political instability in West Africa, citing previous military interventions in countries like Niger. He emphasized the detrimental impact of military involvement in governance, highlighting the regression it signifies for democracy in the region. 'It's a sad reminder that rather than engaging in activities that lead to the betterment of the economy, we are going back to the past,' Chude lamented. The conversation then shifted to the state of democracy in Africa, particularly regarding the prevalence of coups and unconstitutional extensions of presidential terms. Chude acknowledged that while coups were thought to be outdated, recent events suggest a resurgence of such actions. He questioned the depth of democratic values entrenched in African governance systems and criticized the unwarranted confidence of some presidents in clinging to power beyond constitutional limits. The lack of significant progress in improving living standards and governance structures in many African countries was identified as a contributing factor to the vulnerability of political systems to military interference. As the coup plotters in Guinea engage in talks with cabinet ministers to establish a transitional government, concerns arise regarding the viability of their commitments. Chude underscored the authoritarian nature of military directives, indicating that the military's command structure leaves little room for negotiation. He predicted a continuation of failed promises and a return to the familiar script of military-led transitional administrations, with little accountability or transparency. The role of regional bodies like ECOWAS in responding to such crises was also a point of discussion. Chude criticized the lack of tangible measures taken by such organizations to deter military takeovers, suggesting that mere condemnation was insufficient. He stressed the importance of proactive engagement with coup leaders to formulate transitional arrangements that prioritize the inclusion of civilian stakeholders. By empowering regional bodies to enforce punitive measures against coup perpetrators, Chude believes a deterrent effect could be achieved, dissuading future attempts at undermining democratic processes. In conclusion, the unfolding events in Guinea serve as a sobering reminder of the fragility of democracy in West Africa and the persistent threat posed by military interventions. The need for a concerted effort to uphold democratic principles, enhance governance structures, and prevent power grabs by non-elected forces is paramount to ensuring political stability and progress across the continent.