In a pivotal response to the concerning resurgence of military coups in various parts of Africa, former President Goodluck Jonathan is uniting with other prominent stakeholders and dignitaries from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN) in Abuja.
They will participate in a retreat designed to confront and prevent unconstitutional changes of government on the continent.
This crucial event, known as the Second Annual Retreat for Special Envoys and High Officials representing Regional Economic Communities (RECs) on Constitutional Transitions and Unconstitutional Changes of Governments, is orchestrated by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) in partnership with ECOWAS.
The retreat is set to welcome an array of distinguished dignitaries, including former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar; AU High Representative for Silencing the Guns, Amb. Mohamed ibn Chambas; ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah; and the Secretary General of International IDEA, Dr. Kevin Casas-Zamora.
Other notable attendees include Ambassador Plomp, the Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, and Ambassador Esther Loeffen, among others.
The significant gathering is scheduled to take place on October 24-25, 2023, at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, Nigeria, with the theme “Institutionalizing Inclusive Democracy in Constitutional Transitions in Fragile and Conflict-Affected States.”
In the context of the complex geopolitical landscape of the West African region, marked by a resurgence of coups and changes in governance, this retreat stands as a vital platform for addressing these pressing challenges.
It aims to foster profound discussions and the exchange of knowledge and strategies aimed at advancing democracy in West African and Sahel regions.
Since 2020, African nations have witnessed an increase in constitutional transitions, some triggered by military and civilian coups, popular uprisings, transitions facilitated by armed forces, constitutional reforms following the election of a new President, or within the framework of a new political settlement post-conflict.
A media advisory issued by the Communications Officer of the Africa and West Asia Programme at International IDEA, Mr. Sami Ahmed, has emphasized that these crises and subsequent transitions are often reactions to years of authoritarian rule, state neglect, insecurity, poor governance, lack of accountability, or weaknesses in social contracts between the state and powerful ruling elites on one hand, and citizens on the other.
To tackle these challenges and their repercussions, International IDEA and the RECs have been working on a regional initiative to back inclusive constitutional transitions since January 2022.
This initiative aligns with the International IDEA Strategy, which aims to strengthen the technical and operational capabilities of democratic institutions, promote inclusive governance processes, and support the consolidation of democracy and peace in countries.
The statement further explains: “It is against this backdrop that International IDEA is organizing the Second Annual Retreat for RECs Special Envoys and High Officials on Unconstitutional Changes of Government and Constitutional Transitions, with the participation of the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Development Coordinator for the Sahel.
The focus is on how to institutionalize inclusive democracy in constitutional transitions in fragile and conflict-affected states.”
The event anticipates the participation of distinguished dignitaries from Nigeria, ECOWAS, and various parts of Africa who will share valuable insights and experiences.
Established in 1995 as an intergovernmental organization, International IDEA is dedicated to promoting sustainable democracy worldwide.
The organization specializes in policy-friendly research and analysis related to elections, parliaments, constitutions, digitalization, climate change, inclusion, and political representation, all aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
