In a continent grappling with political instability and governance crises, the session on “Unconstitutional Changes of Government: Ensuring Free and Fair Elections in Africa” provided a critical platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities in strengthening democratic processes across the region. Moderated by Mr. Abdelbagi Jibril, President of the Darfur Relief and Documentation Centre, the session underscored those unconstitutional changes, including military coups and constitutional manipulations, have plagued Africa since the 1960s. Jibril emphasized the importance of adhering to foundational documents established by the African Union and other regional conventions to promote stability and uphold democratic governance.
Mr. Sadikh Niass, Adviser at ACDHRS, elaborated on how unconstitutional changes can manifest through military coups or civilian leaders manipulating constitutions to extend their terms. He referenced the African Charter on Good Governance, which condemns such actions and calls for adherence to democratic principles. Niass highlighted the “third term syndrome,” where leaders attempt to remain in power beyond their terms, citing Guinea’s Alpha Condé and Senegal’s Macky Sall as examples. He noted that from 2021 to 2024, Africa has witnessed four coups, indicating a troubling trend fueled by corruption and abuses of office. Niass called for ECOWAS to review its protocols urgently to eliminate this syndrome and address constitutional manipulations.
Mr. Asraff Milad Ruxi from Egypt discussed the pressing refugee crisis, noting that Egypt is currently hosting approximately 709,300 refugees, including over 50,000 Sudanese. He criticized Egypt’s tightening entry restrictions on Sudanese refugees, which violate international standards outlined in Article 31 of the 1961 Convention on Refugees. Ruxi emphasized that many refugees struggle to access essential services, particularly healthcare, and face challenges in education and documentation.
Commissioner Idrissa Sow of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) addressed ongoing challenges related to unconstitutional changes in government despite existing legal frameworks. He highlighted that military coups are no longer the sole concern; constitutional manipulation by leaders refusing to relinquish power has become increasingly prominent. Sow called for strengthened good governance as a preventive measure against these trends.
Mohamed Bera, Program Manager at AWAFY Sudanese Organization, emphasized the destabilizing impact of coups across Africa, particularly in Sudan. He advocated for regional organizations to implement anti-coup policies while addressing the shrinking civic space that hampers human rights defenders’ work.
Participants’ Interventions
- A participant from Zimbabwe raised concerns about the lack of free elections linked to constitutional coups.
- A representative from Burkina Faso questioned the effectiveness of regional groups like ECOWAS in responding to coups.
- Another participant from Sudan highlighted restrictive measures faced by Sudanese trying to enter Egypt during health emergencies.
- Dr. Nana Busia discussed the African Charter on Good Governance, noting gaps regarding mass uprisings against constitutionally elected governments.
- A participant from Gabon urged support for a swift transition process while calling attention to missing human rights advocates in Guinea.
- A representative from Senegal criticized sub-regional institutions for slow responses that often favor leaders over citizens’ needs.
This session illuminated the urgent need for concerted efforts to address unconstitutional changes in government while reinforcing democratic principles across Africa. The discussions underscored that ensuring free and fair elections is essential not only for political stability but also for fostering peace and security in regions like the Sahel, which continue to face significant challenges due to governance crises and conflict.
