The latest news from the African continent was marked by a controversy surrounding a family photo taken during the Russia-Africa summit which took place in Saint Petersburg. This affair led the president of the African Union, Azali Assoumani, to postpone his planned visits to Mali and Burkina Faso. Indeed, certain African heads of state, including that of the Comoros, decided to boycott the family photo in reaction to the presence of the leaders of Mali and Burkina Faso, who came to power following coups d’état.
However, this decision sparked reactions of discontent in Bamako and Ouagadougou. In retaliation, Malian President Assimi Goïta and Burkinabe President Ibrahim Traoré declared Azali Assoumani persona non grata in their respective countries. Thus, the presidential visits which aimed to assess the electoral calendar and promote a return to constitutional order in Mali and Burkina Faso were canceled.
The Comorian government said the decision to boycott the family photo was justified by the African Union’s opposition to coups. According to the government spokesperson, these juntas are already subject to regional, continental and international sanctions, so it was unthinkable to include them in a family photo representing African leaders. The spokesperson also stressed that the priority of the Comorian presidency is the return to constitutional order in these two countries.
The case raises questions about diplomatic relations and cooperation between African countries, as well as the role of the African Union in promoting democracy and the rule of law on the continent. Boycotts, declarations of persona non grata and sanctions are measures that demonstrate the desire to end coups and restore stability and democratic governance in Africa.
It is essential to closely follow developments in this matter and understand the resulting political and diplomatic implications. Africa’s history is marked by complex political transitions, and it is important to support efforts to promote democracy and resolve conflicts peacefully and transparently.