Dr. Prosper Nortey Addo, Security and Defence analyst, has intimated that enforcement needs to be taken very seriously by nations with regards to the recent Coup D’etats across some West African Countries.
Speaking on the state of security in the sub region, he averred that although ECOWAS has limitations, the enforcement of some measures lies within the power of the authority, that is the Heads of State in government of ECOWAS.
“I think that it has come to a point where enforcement needs to be taken very seriously.”
Dr. Prosper Nortey Addo
According to Dr. Addo, it is very worrying having these recent developments because there used to be a time where Coups use to be very intensive and got to a stage where “we thought it was becoming a thing of the past”.
“I have always said that coups cannot be washed away because if the conditions are not right, it will come back. And so, it is really unfortunate that this is what we are seeing currently.”
Dr. Prosper Nortey Addo
The Security analyst averred that there must be a shift from attributing coups to only military. According to him, civilians also contribute to these activities and if it is understood this way, it is easier to tackle it.
Touching on how ECOWAS can uphold the sanctity of the protocols that are supportive in the democratic process, he also averred that it will be through the enforcement of stringent measures by the leaders in power of the various countries.
“Anything that must be approved is done by these leaders and they must commit and obey it. But unfortunately, you will notice that there are instances where some don’t and if that happens intervention becomes interesting.”
Dr. Prosper Nortey Addo
Commenting on calls for ECOWAS to intervene in the ongoing power changes, he questioned if ECOWAS has the wherewithal to intervene or enforce any law in such instances of coup considering its constitutional limitations.
“We saw some countries where there were coup d’etats and they were quickly forced to revert it. That time they had vibrant and dynamic leaders who were ensuring and committed that this works.”
Dr. Prosper Nortey Addo
Appreciate ECOWAS
Also commenting on the sub region’s security, Chukwu Emeka Eze, Executive Director of the West Africa National Network for Peace Building stated that ECOWAS must be appreciated for the works done despite the context of its limitations.
According to him, ECOWAS operates with its protocols and its normative frameworks and as such, once something is not contained in ECOWAS protocol, they do not have a will for enforcement.
“There is a thin line between a principle of non-interference and a principle of non-indifference.”
Chukwu Emeka Eze
Touching on the occurrence of the recent coups, Chuwku Emeka indicated that ECOWAS protocol was very clear on unconstitutional changes in democratic governance.
However, he stated that, if a national government within the confines of its constitution through its national assembly make a new law that extends the tenure of office of a sitting President, ECOWAS hands are tied and there is nothing ECOWAS can do in case there is Coup D’etat.
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