Akufo-Addo urges Ecowas members to take a strong stance against coup-makers
President of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo who also doubles as chairman of the Economic Community of West African States appears worried about the issues of military takeovers in the subregion as he called on leaders to take a firm stance against countries whose leaders are overthrown in that manner.
He is of the view that if such decisions are not taken, the entire subregion could be inundated with military takeovers.
“Let us address this danger collectively and decisively before it devastates the whole region” he warned while opening an emergency ECOWAS summit in Accra to deliberate on happenings in Burkina Faso.
“The African Union expresses strong support for the efforts of ECOWAS in addressing peace and security challenges facing the region, including the resurgence of military coups.”
“This is the solidarity and international coalition that is needed to halt the political turbulence in our region and the continent at large,” President Akufo-Addo said.
After the Coup situation in Burkina Faso an ECOWAS diplomatic mission led by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, met Burkina Faso’s military leaders in Ouagadougou on Monday before this emergency meeting was held.
Some soldiers detained president Roch Marc Christian Kabore who had incurred the anger of most Burkinabes for his failure to curb jihadist violence in parts of the country.
Mr. Kabore was elected in 2015 following a popular revolt that forced out long-time leader Blaise Compaore out of office.
Mr. Compaore in 1987 had also seized power during a coup in which the country’s revolutionary leader, Thomas Sankara, was killed.
At the meeting, ECOWAS representatives were expected to discuss possible sanctions for Burkina Faso.
In line with the rules, Burkina Faso has already been suspended from the 15-member ECOWAS body.
The African Union has also followed suit by suspending Burkina Faso from its Peace and Security Council.
By: Stella Annan | myactiveonline.com Twitter @activetvgh
