On Friday, President William Ruto of Kenya joined global leaders in condemning the coup orchestrated by the Nigerien presidential guards and called for the immediate release of President Mohamed Bazoum.
Speaking from Mombasa State House in a brief video message, the Kenyan leader expressed disapproval of the actions taken by the West African nation’s guards to overthrow a democratically elected government, undermining the will of the people. Notably, the guards have received support from the country’s army while still holding President Bazoum in detention.
President Ruto extended Kenya’s offer of assistance in resolving the conflict. The elite guard has effectively barricaded access to President Bazoum’s residence and offices in the capital city of Niamey. These actions came after negotiations with representatives from the regional bloc Ecowas failed. Additionally, the guards have imposed closures on the country’s airspace and borders.
“The resurgence of military coups and attempts to subvert the will of the people on our beloved continent demands a united and global response to hold those responsible accountable for their actions,” said President Ruto.
“The Republic of Kenya joins the rest of the world to condemn in the strongest terms this unconstitutional act that subverts democracy through a Coup d’etat and calls for the immediate release of President Mohammed Bazoum who is reportedly seized by members of the presidential guard,” demanded Ruto.
He extended an olive branch to help find lasting peace.
“Kenya is willing to assist in resolving the conflict under the auspices of the AU should it be deemed appropriate. Africa continues to shine as a beckon of hope and progress and we shall never waive in our pursuit of a brighter future for all,” he committed.
The coup in Niger is the latest manifestation of a troubling trend in West Africa. Over the past two years, elected presidents in Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso have also been overthrown in separate incidents. In response, the African Union has followed its customary practice of suspending these countries. Sudan has also faced turmoil, with a recent outbreak of war following the overthrow of a transitional civilian government in October 2021. This was followed by a split in security forces regarding the country’s transition.
Kenya’s leader acknowledges that Niger’s incident adds to Africa’s setback in its democratic progress, as the aspirations for democratic governance by its people were undermined by a change of government through unconstitutional means.
Throughout the continent’s history, efforts have been made to uphold democratic principles and align with the African people’s desire for freedom and self-determination, as expressed by Ruto, the Kenyan leader.
The African Union has had a policy since 2007 to denounce unconstitutional changes in government, leading to the immediate suspension of countries where such actions occur, whether by the military or politicians taking control illegally. However, critics argue that the prevalence of coups may also be influenced by external interference from world powers and the failure to establish strong and trustworthy institutions that can safeguard the interests of the people.
As emphasized by Ruto, the African Union’s fundamental norm is enshrined in Article 4 (p) of the Constitutive Act, which unambiguously condemns and rejects any unconstitutional change of government.
In light of these developments, a swift restoration of constitutional rule is called for, prioritizing the protection of the population and the re-establishment of full civilian authority, while also respecting the country’s institutions to the utmost.