The Comoros and the controversy surrounding the family photo of the Russia-Africa summit
The presence of the leaders of Mali and Burkina Faso, who came to power following coups d’état, during the Russia-Africa summit last July in Saint Petersburg, sparked heated controversy among certain African heads of state. Among them, the current president of the African Union, Azali Assoumani, who decided to boycott the family photo at the summit. This decision led to diplomatic consequences, with Mali and Burkina Faso declaring Azali Assoumani persona non grata and indefinitely postponing his planned visit to these two countries.
The decision to boycott the Russia-Africa summit family photo was prompted by the African Union’s opposition to coups. The leaders of Mali and Burkina Faso, who came to power after coups, are subject to regional, continental and international sanctions. In this context, the presence of these leaders in the summit family photo was considered inappropriate.
The spokesperson for the Comorian government, Houmed Msaidié, recalled that the presidency of the African Union, held this year by Azali Assoumani, considers the return to constitutional order as a priority in these countries. Therefore, the family photo of the Russia-Africa summit, with the presence of the leaders resulting from coups d’état, was not an option.
This controversy raises questions about diplomatic relations and political issues in Africa. It is important to note that coups are often seen as a violation of constitutional order and democracy. International and regional sanctions targeting regimes resulting from coups d’état demonstrate the desire of the international community to promote democracy and the rule of law.
It now remains to be seen how this controversy will be resolved and whether it will have lasting consequences on relations between the Comoros, Mali and Burkina Faso. The search for a peaceful solution and a return to constitutional order in these countries remains a major challenge for the African Union and the international community.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the family photo from the Russia-Africa summit highlights the tensions and political issues in Africa. This situation highlights the importance of respect for constitutional order and democracy, as well as international sanctions against coup regimes. It now remains to be hoped that peaceful solutions will be found to guarantee a return to stability and democratic legitimacy in these countries.