Upholding Democratic Principles Key to Ensuring Peace and Stability in Africa-AU Chair Faki

By Adonis Byemelwa

In a profoundly resonant convergence, leaders from every corner of Africa convened yesterday, May 25th, 2024, in the vibrant city of Dar es Salaam. Their purpose? To commemorate a pivotal milestone: the 20th anniversary of the African Union's esteemed Peace and Security Council (PSC).

Amidst the palpable weight of history and the compelling urgency of the present, this gathering epitomized a shared commitment to forging a future defined by peace, stability, and unity across the continent.

Against a backdrop of persistent challenges and fragile successes, they came together to reflect not just on the passage of time, but on the profound journey towards peace and stability that has defined their collective endeavor.

Chairperson Moussa Faki, in his address, emphasizes the indispensable link between democratic governance and lasting peace, citing failures to adhere to free and fair election standards as alarming indicators of potential conflict escalation.

Faki's remarks resonate with the current realities faced by many African nations, where political transitions often spark unrest and violence due to electoral irregularities and governance deficiencies.

He calls attention to the AU's limited capacity to impose sanctions on member states that violate democratic norms, stressing the need for a comprehensive review of the council's constitution and protocols to address these shortcomings.

"Unconstitutional changes pose a significant threat to peace and stability in Africa," Faki asserts, highlighting instances where military intervention disrupts the electoral process and undermines democratic principles.

 He challenges member states to uphold their commitments under Article 19 of the AU Charter on elections and governance, which mandates the provision of election timetables and the invitation of observers to ensure transparency and accountability.

"How can we ignore the alarming trend of military involvement in electoral processes?" Faki queries, expressing concern over the erosion of democratic norms and the consequent loss of public trust in governance institutions. Despite the PSC's protocols providing guidelines for peaceful transitions of power, Faki acknowledges the challenges in enforcing these principles effectively.

"Let us acknowledge the limitations of the PSC in imposing sanctions when unconstitutional changes occur," Faki admits, urging collective action to address the root causes of electoral instability and prevent conflicts from escalating. He reaffirms the AU's commitment to making tough decisions to uphold peace and security, even in the face of political resistance and diplomatic challenges.

Former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete echoes Faki's sentiments, drawing from his experiences in conflict resolution to underscore the detrimental effects of electoral disputes on national cohesion and regional stability. Kikwete identifies governance deficiencies, including leadership failures, inequality, discrimination, tribalism, and favoritism, as primary drivers of internal conflicts in Africa.

"The failure to conduct free and fair elections undermines the very foundation of democracy," Kikwete asserts, emphasizing the importance of inclusive dialogue and international mediation in resolving electoral disputes peacefully. He recounts his involvement in mediating the 2007 post-election crisis in Kenya and the election crisis in Zimbabwe, highlighting the pivotal role of regional leaders in facilitating dialogue and reconciliation.

"In times of crisis, we must prioritize the interests of the people above political agendas," Kikwete emphasizes, urging African nations to embrace democratic principles and institutional reforms to prevent electoral disputes from escalating into full-blown conflicts.

Domitien Ndayizeye, former President of Burundi and member of the AU's Council of Elders, reflects on his country's journey towards peace and reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of international support in resolving protracted conflicts. Ndayizeye acknowledges the role of the PSC in facilitating peace talks and fostering regional cooperation in addressing security challenges.

"The peace-seeking process in Burundi required concerted efforts from African nations and the international community," Ndayizeye recalls, highlighting the complex nature of the conflict and the need for sustained engagement to achieve lasting peace. He commends the AU's commitment to conflict resolution and calls for continued support in addressing the root causes of instability in Africa.

The commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the PSC serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need to strengthen democratic governance and uphold the principles of free and fair elections as essential prerequisites for peace and stability in Africa. Leaders reaffirm their commitment to addressing electoral disputes and promoting inclusive dialogue to prevent conflicts from undermining the continent's progress and prosperity.