From the 2023 Peace and Security Forum in Lomé: How to manage political transitions in Africa
On October 20, the Peace and Security Forum 2023 opened in Lomé, a major event bringing together around ten African countries around the theme “How to manage political transitions”. For three days, foreign ministers, UN diplomats and experts will meet to share their experiences and find solutions to the challenges posed by political transitions in Africa.
One of the key issues addressed at the Forum is the breakdown of constitutional order in certain African countries, such as Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. Why do soldiers take power despite the imprescriptible nature of this violation of the Constitution? Forum participants agree on the need to make a clear and precise diagnosis to understand the underlying reasons for these coups.
The Peace and Security Forum 2023 also highlights the challenges associated with political transitions after coups. The sanctions, often drastic, imposed by regional and international organizations on the putschists are part of the tools used to restore constitutional order. But are they really effective? The debates focus on this crucial issue, exploring different approaches, between sticks and carrots, to encourage a peaceful political transition.
Over the three days, six panels are planned, covering various aspects of political crises in Africa. Among them, a panel entitled “African solutions to political crises” particularly attracts attention. Alongside the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Burkina Faso, experts such as Togolese economist Kako Nubupko will shed their light on solutions specific to the African continent, thus allowing a better understanding of the challenges that Africa faces in the management of political transitions.
The Peace and Security Forum 2023 in Lomé constitutes a unique opportunity for exchanges and reflections on major issues for Africa. By promoting dialogue between political actors, diplomats and experts, this event aims to find lasting solutions, thus contributing to the consolidation of peace and stability on the African continent.