AU, ECOWAS React To Foiled Gambia Coup
The African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) have condemned the attempted coup plot in the Gambia.
Reacting to the development which took place on Tuesday, the unions released press statements.
The Gambia foiled a military takeover on December 20 according to its government.
Four soldiers were arrested for their connection to the attempted unconstitutional change in government with three others at large.
The Adama Barrow-led administration came into power in 2016 and secured reelection in 2021.
In a statement, ECOWAS said it received the news with “shock” and “utter dismay”.
“ECOWAS strongly condemns the attempt to overthrow the constitutionally elected government of the Gambia and underscores ECOWAS total rejection of all unconstitutional changes of government in any member state”, its said.
It also commended the leadership and personnel of the West African country’s security forces for their role in foiling the coup.
On his part, the AU Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, said the AU was in full support of the ECOWAS statement, and in conformity with the 2000 Lomé Declaration, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections & Governance and the Accra Declaration on Unconstitutional Changes of Government.
“The Chairperson furthermore strongly rejects any attempt at the unconstitutional change of government in the Gambia or any other Member State.”
African countries including Chad, Guinea, Mali (twice), Sudan and Burkina Faso have witnessed military takeovers from 2021 to 2022.
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
