As part of her efforts to improve good governance and democracy in Africa, Emilia Ndinelao, Chairperson of the African Union Peace and Security Council for the month of Match 2024 and Ambassador of the Republic of Namibia to Ethiopia and the African Union, advocates the elimination of unconstitutional changes of government on the continent. This female leader emphasizes the need for the African Union and the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and regional mechanisms to promote synergy in dealing with issues relating to unconstitutional changes of government, in accordance with the principles of subsidiarity and complementarity.
As Chairperson of the African Union Peace and Security Council for the month of Match 2024, Emilia Ndinelao Mkusa, Ambassador of the Republic of Namibia to Ethiopia and the African Union, advocates the fight against unconstitutional governments in Africa, a challenge that has hampered the continent’s development for several decades. The Namibian diplomat’s aim is to effectively guarantee peace, prosperity, security, stability and sustainable development in Africa.
“As a standing decision-making Organ on behalf of all AU Member States, the PSC has been consistent and firm on issues of military takeovers and any other forms of UCG, in line with the AU instruments. The AU has a zero tolerance policy for unconstitutional changes of government, and that is what is guiding the Peace and Security Council ”.
Emilia Ndinelao Mkusa, Chairperson of the AU Peace and Security Council – Namibia
The current head of the african union peace and security councils appeals to the AU member states to re-enforce their efforts in curbing the challenges of unconstitutional change of government in the continent as a total of six member states have been suspended from the activities of the African union due to the ordeal
“Our Continent faces a serious number of threats in the peace and security landscape, but the most critical issue to be considered is the issue of governance at national levels. It is regrettable Your Excellencies, that in some circumstances we have been in denial and regard it as a taboo to admit that our governance structures are facing challenges that need to be addressed. This has largely been a result of the sensitivities about the interface between sovereignty and AU instruments on democratic governance particularly Article 23 (5) of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance”.
Emilia Ndinelao Mkusa, Chairperson of the AU Peace and Security Council – Namibia
Although progress has been made in addressing the issue of unconstitutional changes of government in Africa since the adoption of the declaration of the first Accra forum, Emilia Mkusa nevertheless encourages African leaders to work towards good governance. This includes political management, respect for human rights and the constitution, and taking into account the legitimate expectations and aspirations of citizens.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that, as leaders, we adhere to values of democracy and good governance and address the legitimate concerns of our citizens, as a preventive measure. We need to reflect deeper and come up with other necessary steps. Implementation of our decisions at both national, regional and continental is key, to advance the aspirations of our people”.
Emilia Ndinelao Mkusa, Chairperson of the AU Peace and Security Council – Namibia
Africa still faces complex challenges, particularly gaps in governance and a convergence of vulnerabilities and security challenges such as: terrorism, illicit circulation of arms, corruption, illicit financial flows, manipulation of government accountability mechanisms, foreign political and military interference, and youth unemployment which hamper continental and regional efforts to address socio-economic governance, peace and security issues, including the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government.The AU PSC therefore urges African Leaders and Institutions to design mechanisms and programmes for good governance, capacity building among political parties, parliamentarians, public servants and Non-State Actors in order to enrich leadership qualities and Statecraft with a special focus on youth and women’s empowerment.
