Rédaction Africa Links 24 with babucarr balajo
Published on 2024-02-27 09:25:22
On Sunday, February 25, Senegal faced a dark day as the people were denied the opportunity to vote for their next president. President Macky Sall’s decision to unilaterally and illegally postpone the election was a blow to democracy and a betrayal of the Senegalese people who have fought hard for their democratic rights. This action not only tarnished the reputation of Senegal but also cast a shadow over the entire West Africa region.
The failure of President Macky Sall to uphold the will of the people highlights the urgent need for a reevaluation of the leadership within the Ecowas Authority of Heads of State. The Ecowas Commission and the Ecowas Parliament also demonstrated poor leadership by praising Macky Sall’s undemocratic actions. This betrayal of democratic principles and governance standards only serves to encourage bad leadership and threats to democracy within the region.
The Ecowas Commission, as the custodian of democracy and governance instruments, has a duty to ensure that member states adhere to community standards and norms. By failing to hold President Macky Sall accountable for his actions, the Commission has exposed its own ineffectiveness and lack of legitimacy. The Commission should be actively monitoring and advising member states to prevent unconstitutional acts such as election postponements and military coups.
Furthermore, Ecowas must ensure that member states uphold the instruments they have ratified and actively confront presidents and governments to respect these norms. Instead of appeasing heads of state, the Commission should provide strong guidance and direction to uphold democratic values across the region.
The Ecowas Summit held on the same day as the election postponement in Senegal failed to address the crisis and demand a new election date. This failure to stand in solidarity with the people of Senegal only serves to justify and defend President Macky Sall’s unconstitutional actions. It is clear that the greatest threats to democracy in the region are the leaders themselves, with the Ecowas Commission acting as an enabler of their undemocratic actions.
In solidarity with the people of Senegal and democracy, it is crucial for West Africans to demand accountability from their leaders and strive for a reformed and effective regional bloc. The overhaul of Ecowas is necessary to ensure that democratic principles are upheld and that the voices of the people are respected. Only through strong and principled leadership can the West Africa region move towards a future of democratic governance and respect for the rule of law.
Read the original article on The Standard
