UNGA 78: Stop Supporting Coups, Dictatorial Regimes In Africa – Tinubu Tells UN Member-States

• Condemns looting of the continent’s mineral resources⁣

BY EDMOND ODOK – ⁣President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday challenged member-states of the United Nations (UN) to refrain from supporting military coups and dictatorial regimes in Africa for their selfish economic and political benefits.

The Nigerian Leader, who condemned the spate of military coups in the continent, described the development as wrong and unreflective of the collective aspirations of the African people. ⁣

According to him, the pervasiveness of coups connotes “a demand for solutions to perennial problems,” and does not imply Africa’s support for the unconstitutional change of government, adding; “We must affirm democratic governance as the best guarantor of the sovereign will and well-being of the people. Military coups are wrong, as is any tilted civilian political arrangement that perpetuates injustice.”

Speaking in his maiden address at the ongoing debate at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA, President Tinubu also noted that; “Foreign entities abetted by local criminals, who aspire to be petty warlords, have drafted thousands of people into servitude to illegally mine gold and other resources. Billions of dollars meant to improve the nation now fuel violent enterprises.”

Consequently, he urged member nations to work with Africa to “deter their firms and nationals from this 21st-century pillage of the continent’s riches”

While noting that “the wave crossing parts of Africa does not demonstrate favour towards coups”, Tinubu said; “It is a demand for solutions to perennial problems”, even as he called for support from sister countries regarding current development in Niger Republic.

He further disclosed that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is still negotiating with the Military junta, saying; “As Chairman of ECOWAS, I seek to help re-establish democratic governance in a manner that addresses the political and economic challenges confronting that nation, including the violent extremists who seek to foment instability in our region. I extend a hand of friendship to all who genuinely support this mission.” ⁣

Also noting that the protracted battle against violent extremists has created “a dark channel of inhumane commerce”, President Tinubu said; “Along the route, everything is for sale. Men, women, and children are seen as chattel. Yet, thousands risk the Sahara’s hot sand and the Mediterranean’s cold depths in search of a better life. ⁣

Tinubu, who argued that the harmful traffic undermines the peace and stability of an entire region, said; ⁣“At the same time, mercenaries and extremists with their lethal weapons and vile ideologies invade our region from the north.” ⁣

In calling on the international community to strengthen its commitment to arrest the flow of arms and violent people into West Africa, the Nigeria Leader said on their part, “African nations will improve our economies so that our people do not risk their lives to sweep the floors and streets of other nations. ⁣We also shall devote ourselves to disbanding extremist groups on our turf.”⁣

⁣Furthermore, President Tinubu said the continued looting of Africa’s mineral resources threatens peace and places national security, warning that; “If left unchecked, they will threaten peace and place national security at grave risk.”

⁣Expressing concerns that many of Africa’s mineral-rich areas have become “catacombs of misery and exploitation”, Tinubu particularly pointed at the Democratic Republic of Congo which has suffered for decades, despite the strong UN presence there. ⁣

“The world economy owes the DRC much but gives her very little. The mayhem visited on resource-rich areas does not respect national boundaries. Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, CAR, the list grows.⁣ The problems also knock on Nigeria’s door”, President Tinubu said.

⁣In 2023 alone, military forces in Niger and Gabon have overthrown the democratically-elected governments of Mohamed Bazzoum and Ali Bongo, respectively, bringing Africa’s total successful military coups to 107 since 1950.

Interestingly, the figure represents an alarming number compared to the total count of 24 coups d’état across the globe in the last 70 years ⁣