By Busayo Onijala
(Sundiata Post) In a world where conflicts can escalate and some democratically elected governments find themselves ousted unceremoniously, diplomacy is often the first step taken by the international community to prevent disaster.
As tensions continue to simmer between some nations around the world, notably Israel-Palestine, Ukraine-Russia, many look to diplomacy as a means of de-escalating or ceasing such tensions.
However, in some cases, the uncompromising nature of some nations makes the efforts of multilateral organisations, particularly the United Nations futile.
International peace is a concept that has been at the forefront of global discussions for decades and it’s also one of the reasons why foremost multilateral organisation, United Nations was established.
In 2023, the world saw diplomats working tirelessly to find solutions to pressing global challenges, as well as attempting to build bridges and strengthen relationships between nations.
According to United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, 2023 was a year of enormous suffering, violence, and climate chaos.
In a recent message, Guterres said humanity is strongest when the world stands together, putting aside violence and killings.
He urged the world to stand up against the discrimination and hatred that are poisoning relations between countries and communities, adding that wars are growing in number and ferocity.
“Humanity is strongest when we stand together and we must come together across divides for shared solutions.
“2024 must be a year for rebuilding trust and restoring hope.
“The United Nations will keep rallying the world for peace, sustainable development and human rights,” he said.
While wars were ongoing in some regions, there was a resurgence of military coups in Africa.
Some international relations experts are of the opinion that this complex issue has deep-rooted historical, political, and economic causes, and requires a multifaceted approach.
In July 2023, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu emerged Chairman of ECOWAS at the organisation’s 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.
While delivering his speech, Tinubu said: “We will not accept coup after coup in West Africa again. Democracy is very difficult to manage but it is the best form of government.”
Shortly after this speech, on July 26, 2023, members of Niger’s presidential guard overthrew Niger’s President, Mohamed Bazoum.
In August 2023, the continent, again woke up to another military coup in Central African country, Gabon that removed Ali Bongo. There were also attempted coups in Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau in the course of the year.
In 2023, the continent of Africa still grappled with the problem of military coups, despite efforts towards democratisation, stability and development.
The Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, noted the risk posed to democracy in Africa,
He urged African leaders to remember that democracy is about the citizens and must work for the people by reducing poverty, improving healthcare and doing what will make societies reach greater heights.
Military coups recur in Africa for many reasons including, but not limited to the failure of democratic institutions, prevalence of poverty and economic inequality and external factors such as foreign interference and geopolitical rivalries.
Many African countries are among the poorest in the world, and this has undoubtedly created a sense of frustration and hopelessness among the people.
Prof. Babfemi Badejo, an international relations expert and former Head of Political Affairs, UN-AU Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) said to prevent coups in West Africa, a lot needed to be done than mere sanctions and threats.
According to him, leadership deficits and corruption, curtailing negative external pressures, as well as the building of credible institutions to provide for the needs of the people must be addressed.
“Diplomacy is superior to threats of the use of force that may be difficult or impossible to implement.”
On his expectations from the international community in 2024, Badejo said that “hopefully, conflicts will remain few and well managed so as not to generate into major wars.”
While there are many challenges to achieving peace and stability in the region, there is also reason for hope as African countries are taking steps towards regional integration and cooperation, which will not only help to reduce conflict but also promote peace and economic development.
As the year 2024 begins, no gainsaying that with the right interventions, Africa can gradually overcome its history of coups and become a beacon of peace and prosperity for the world. (NAN)
