The African Diaspora Congress (ADC) has denounced attacks and coup d’états against legitimately elected govts in Africa.
Secretary General of ADC Prof. Apollos Nwauwa told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the organisation stood in solidarity with people of Mali and other affected countries.
Nwauwa said coups often hinder the growth of democracy in Africa and urged African leaders to take necessary measures to end the menace on the continent.
According to him, ADC has been watching with deep concern ongoing events in Mali and two other countries in West Africa and states its position.
“Mali, like many other African countries have been enduring poor governance and visionless leadership which, sometimes, trigger popular protests, civil unrest and coup, African leaders must engage in deep sober reflection.
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“Yet, as an organisation that prides itself on respect for the rule of law and egalitarianism, ADC denounces all forms of terrorism and coup d’état against legitimately elected governments.
“A coup is like an ill-wind that does no one any good no matter how well-intention; forceful military dethronement of democratically elected government should not be encouraged and or justified in any way,” he said.
He condemned forceful military dethronement to create vicious circle of coup and counter coups with domino effect in the sub-region, thereby provoking violence and worsening socio-economic and political hardships for the people.
Nwauwa explained that while the ECOWAS could not simply fold its hands and watch the deteriorating situation in Mali, the sub-regional body should do more to end coup in West Africa.
According to him, ADC strongly believes that ECOWAS’ total or blanket sanctions on Mali are counterproductive.
“This is because it would have unintended crippling effects on Mali economy, resulting in untold hardship for ordinary Malians already impoverished, consequently, ADC appeals to ECOWAS to reconsider its blanket sanctions.
“Just as we enjoin the Malian interim government to take immediate steps towards restoring power to a democratically elected government that will tackle the challenges facing the country.
“Furthermore, ADC would like to reiterate its position against all forms of foreign or external domination and or interference in Mali and other African countries,” he said.
He said although France’s notorious stronghold on economies and politics of its former colonies is largely to blame for the Malian crisis.
Nwauwa said ADC disapproved of African leaders who behave like puppets to foreign governments and invite them to act with impunity in their internal matters.
ADC is a coalition of the various groups and concerned citizens from Africa and African Diaspora.
