Title: Coups d’état in West Africa: what role for ECOWAS?
Introduction:
In a recent interview with France 24, the President of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, expressed his outrage at the recent coups that have taken place in West Africa. He also addressed the question of the intervention of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in these crisis situations. Let us analyze President Embaló’s remarks more closely and assess the role of ECOWAS in preserving the constitutional order.
The rejection of coups d’état in the 21st century:
Embaló calls coups “unacceptable in the 21st century,” emphasizing the importance of democracy and constitutional order in the region. It highlights the return of anti-democratic practices that were common in the 1970s and 1980s, underscoring the urgency for West Africa to reject such actions. These declarations reflect a desire to consolidate the democratic progress made in the region over recent decades.
The role of ECOWAS in the face of coups d’état:
Embaló points the finger at ECOWAS and its role in preventing and resolving crises linked to coups d’état. He believes that the regional organization must be firmer at the first sign of a coup and take concrete measures to protect the constitutional order. He cites the example of the lifting of sanctions against Mali, a decision that he considers to be an error on the part of ECOWAS. According to him, the credibility of the organization is at stake and it must show determination in its actions.
The question of military intervention:
ECOWAS has threatened to intervene militarily in Niger if negotiations with the putschists fail. Embaló expresses his position by affirming that political transitions are not acceptable, thus emphasizing the importance of quickly restoring constitutional order. He also raises the issue of ECOWAS intervention in his own country, stressing that he is not afraid of a coup d’état, but that it is essential to prevent such situations.
Conclusion:
President Embaló’s remarks highlight the need for ECOWAS to play a more proactive role in preventing and resolving coups in West Africa. It highlights the importance of maintaining constitutional order and protecting emerging democracies in the region. He also returns to the question of military intervention, emphasizing the urgency of quickly restoring political stability. It is therefore essential that ECOWAS takes firm and effective measures to prevent such crises in the future.