Botswana hosts an international conference aimed at strengthening democracy and constitutional compliance in Africa. Participants are calling on African troops and leaders to respect term restrictions after several recent coups and efforts to extend the period of power.
The three-day summit, hosted by Botswana and the United States-based National Institute for Democracy (NDI), brought together former chiefs and civil society activists from across Africa.
Former President of Niger, Mahamadu Ishuf, spoke via a video link and said he was concerned about the state of democracy in Africa.
"There are some consequences from certain countries, but in some countries democracy is retreating, especially with military coups. I'm glad that Botswana and Niger are speaking in one voice. I think. "The country must respect the two-term limit, he added.
Issoufou resigned two terms later in 2021 and received the $ 5 million Ibrahim Award for his outstanding governance.
Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi said his country, Africa's longest-running democracy, is an ideal place for meetings.
He said Africa needs a strong system to promote constitutionalism and ensure democracy prosper.
"We are confident that we will be better served by powerful institutions than by influential people, women, or anything in between," he said. "We are confident that this summit represents a strong partnership to renew and strengthen efforts to respect constitutional term restrictions as a pillar of democratic governance and a peaceful political transition across the continent. "
Peaceful political transitions remain elusive in some African countries. In the last 16 months alone, coups in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Sudan have expelled leaders.
Under the Secretary of Civil Security, Democracy and Human Rights of the United States, Uzra Zeya said in a recorded statement that her country made efforts in Africa to support the principles of democracy. He said he would continue to support.
"The United States is proud to support today's conference and continues to support partners' efforts to draw attention to the constitutional term limit efforts that are key to democratic governance. I will continue, "she said. "We all know from polls that constitutional term restrictions are widely supported throughout Africa."
President Derek Mitchell of the National Democratic Institute said Habolone. He said the talks would take place at the right time.
"There is no more important moment to reaffirm and accept the eternal truth than it is today when democracy is being attacked in many parts of the world," he said. Democracy must be protected, upheld and nurtured through regular civil practice and education. Respect for constitutionalism promotes the rule of law and political accountability.
The Gaborone Conference is a follow-up to the 2019 Summit in Niger to promote respect for constitutional restrictions.
