Akufo-Addo worried about the rising number of coups in West Africa
President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo who also serves as chairman Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is not enthused about the rising number of coups in the ECOWAS sub-region.
Especially in these recent times where Burkina Faso has also joined the league of countries where the military leadership is in place after toppling the civilian government.
In Mali’s situation, Akufo-Addo said the French-led troop withdrawal from that country will now need new arrangements in the regional fight against terrorism.
During an interview with FRANCE 24 at the EU-African Union summit in Brussels, President Akufo-Addo called for the departure of “foreign mercenaries from the region and explained that negotiations are underway with the Malian junta on an election timetable.“
The Chair of ECOWAS was optimistic about a swift transition to civilian rule in Burkina Faso, noting that the junta had “moved very quickly” to engage in consultations.
He also warned the Guinean coup leaders that new ECOWAS sanctions could be instituted if they do not provide a timetable for a transition “as soon as possible”.
President Akufo-Addo further reiterated that military coups in West Africa are unacceptable, saying “we do not want this contagion to spread”.
He complained that the issue of third presidential terms was also “a matter of concern for the region.”
