Security expert Prof Kwesi Aning has expressed scepticism about ECOWAS’s role in resolving the ongoing political instability in Guinea-Bissau.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Thursday, November 27, a day after a military coup in the West African State, he argued that relying solely on the regional bloc may yield little progress, citing its failure to meet basic mandates in the past.
“I think ECOWAS, as the lead institution for resolving the Guinea-Bissau crisis, is a no, no, because it has failed to achieve its primary aim,” he said.
He said Wednesday’s military takeover in the country adds to the already deteriorating democracy in the bloc and warns that the development may occur in other countries in West Africa. “We may also see a period of considerable deepening instability which will be very dangerous for the sub-region,” he said, “There is a bigger question about the usefulness of democracy, the nature of leadership, issues around corruption, transparency….this is not going to end, this may not be the last coup d’ etat.”
The government of Ghana has issued a forceful condemnation of the military coup in Guinea-Bissau, describing the action as a ‘direct assault on democracy’ and a dangerous attempt to overturn the will of the people.
In a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday, November 26, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Ghana is “profoundly concerned” about the military takeover, which erupted just days after Guinea-Bissau held peaceful presidential and legislative elections on November 23.
According to Ghana, the coup has “brazenly disrupted” the electoral process and blocked the anticipated announcement of results scheduled for November 27, thereby derailing the country’s democratic trajectory.
Ghana is calling for the immediate restoration of constitutional order, insisting that any disputes arising from the elections must be resolved through peaceful, transparent, and legally recognised channels, not through force. The statement further demands that the rights and safety of civilians and foreign nationals be protected, with particular emphasis on the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission stationed in Guinea-Bissau.
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