Addressing the recent wave of military coups in some African countries, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has voiced his concerns. He believes that the jubilant atmosphere accompanying these coups will be short-lived, highlighting the urgent need for African nations to revamp their democratic systems.
During the Democracy Dialogue 2023 event organized by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) in Yenagoa, Jonathan emphasized the importance of ensuring that democratic governance translates into tangible development for the people. He lamented the crisis that democracy has caused in several nations, emphasizing that leaders must tackle poverty and unemployment, uphold the rule of law, reinforce public institutions, and respect the rights of the citizens to safeguard the survival of democracy.
Jonathan stated, “Leadership should strive to ensure that democracy translates into economic well-being. The recent scenes of jubilation following the overthrow of civilian administrations in Africa, with people celebrating military interventions, are short-lived. These events underscore the pressing need for Africa to reshape its approach to democracy. In recent years, democracy on the continent has led to severe crises, fueled by challenges such as poverty and unemployment, eroding trust among our citizens.”
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