The African Union (AU) Commission in collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Government of the Republic of Ghana, is set to organize the Second AU Reflection Forum to review initiatives undertaken on the Declaration on terrorism and unconstitutional changes of government in Africa and also assess key achievements and gaps in implementing its recommendations.
The forum also referred to as the Accra II, it would be held from 18 to 19 March 2024, in Accra, Ghana. The forum, which will be held under the theme, “Robust Response, Deepening Democracy, Sustainable Security”, would build on the first edition held in March 2022 and on the Declaration on Terrorism and Unconstitutional Changes of Government in Africa, also known as the Malabo Declaration on UCGs, adopted during the 16th Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union on Terrorism and UCGs in Africa on May 28 2022.
Addressing the media at the Ministry of Information press center in Accra, H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, stressed the importance of the forum and affirmed the AU’s dedication to upholding democratic principles and ensuring sustainable security in Africa.
“Through robust dialogue and collaboration, we aim to address the root causes of unconstitutional changes of government and strengthen democratic governance across the continent,” he stated.
The AU Commissioner Ambassador Bankole explained that the gathering would offer an opportunity to review the latest developments since the Accra I Forum, deepen reflection on the structural root causes and impacts of UCGs in Africa, and provide recommendations on the necessary steps to improve and adapt the AU’s responses to the new challenges posed by UCGs, towards consolidating democratic practice and effective governance in Africa. He indicated that policymakers, civil society organizations, and development partners will engage in candid discussions and exchange ideas to advance democratic governance and enhance the rule of law.
H.E. Ambassador Emilia Mkusa, Chairperson of the AU Peace and Security Council, highlighted the forum’s role in shaping effective responses to evolving challenges.
“By engaging a diverse range of stakeholders, including representatives from AU member states, regional economic communities, and civil society organizations, we can collectively develop strategies to prevent and address unconstitutional changes of government,” she noted.
Participants are expected to exchange views on consolidating democratic governance, advancing national ownership of governance processes, and strengthening constitutionalism and the rule of law in Africa and align on coordination and coherence to effectively implement the Malabo and Accra Declarations.
Source: MOI (PR Unit)
