The Impact Hive Centre for Accountability, Democracy and Rights (ICADAR) has unequivocally condemned the military coup that occurred in Benin Republic on Saturday, marking a disturbing setback to the nation’s democratic progress and stability.
Executive Director of ICADAR, Dr. Bello Ishaq, made this known in a statement on Sunday.
Some military officers announced early Saturday morning that they had dissolved the democratic government under President Patrice Talon.
The government was to later in the day confirm that the coup was not successful, having been aborted.
Minister of Interior and Public Security, Alassane Seidou, said Sunday that the armed forces have foiled an attempted mutiny aimed at destabilising the state and its institutions.
Reacting to the coup in Benin Rep, ICADAR said the pitch was unconstitutional usurpation of power and called for the immediate restoration of constitutional order and the swift return to democratic governance.
The statement reads partly: “Such acts of unconstitutional power grabs undermine the democratic aspirations of the people, destabilize the region, and threaten peace, stability, and development across West Africa.”
The non-governmental organization lamented that the recurrence of coups in several African nations was a deeply troubling trend that demands urgent and concerted action from regional and international stakeholders.
It said “These unconstitutional interventions often arise from a complex interplay of factors including bad governance, corruption, economic hardship, and the erosion of democratic and judicial institutions.
“Additionally, recurring cycles of leadership crises, lack of accountability, breakdown of the rule of law, and overambition for power by certain individuals further fuel the desperation that leads to military interventions.
ICADAR called for the
strengthening of democratic institutions, fostering resilient, transparent, and accountable systems capable of withstanding political pressures and serving the needs of citizens to effectively address this negative trend.
It said governments in African countries must ensure good governance and accountability through the fight against corruption, ensuring the rule of law, and fostering inclusive governance are essential steps toward restoring public trust and reducing grievances that may lead to such destabilizing actions.
The NGO said ‘External actors and foreign powers that sponsor coups across Africa for selfish interests must be confronted decisively.
“Furthermore, regional and international cooperation must be reinforced; institutions like ECOWAS, the African Union, and global partners should intensify diplomatic efforts, impose appropriate sanctions on unconstitutional regimes, and support peaceful democratic transitions.
African countries, the group said, must tackle economic hardship by tackling unemployment, inequality, and poverty is also vital in reducing socio-economic grievances that often underpin such destabilizing actions, as well as encourage civic engagement and political inclusion, especially for marginalized groups, can diminish feelings of disenfranchisement that frequently lead to these unfortunate situations.
ICADAR urges all stakeholders; government leaders, civil society, regional bodies, and the international community to reaffirm their commitment to democracy, uphold constitutional order, and collaborate effectively to prevent future coups.
“Africa’s progress depends on sustained democratic governance, respect for human rights, and the rule of law.
“Let us stand united in defending democracy and ensuring a peaceful, prosperous future for all African nations,” ICADAR said.
