Memo to African Leaders: Preserving Democracy; Advancing Accountability and People’s Welfare to Avert Coups, By Opeyemi Oladimeji

Attention, African leaders! The recent tumultuous events in Niger Republic, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea have stirred a sense of urgency! The fragility of democracy in these nations calls for an immediate reckoning of your responsibilities as leaders.

Listen closely! Democracy is not just a notion; it’s a covenant with our people—a promise of prosperity, stability, and inclusivity. But to uphold this sacred promise, you must demonstrate unwavering dedication, prioritize accountability, and earnestly address the welfare of our citizens.

Accountability is the bedrock of a resilient democratic system. We must realize that our actions reverberate across the lives of our people. Corruption and impunity are like cancer, eating away at the core of democracy, and eroding public trust in our governance. The time has come to embrace transparency, eradicate corruption, and let accountability be the guiding principle of our leadership.

Our democratic institutions are the sentinels guarding the rights and aspirations of our people. We must nurture and protect them, for an independent judiciary, a free press, and a robust civil society are the bastions of a flourishing democracy. These institutions shield us from the dangerous precipice of tyranny and protect our citizens from any abuse of power.

But here lies the crux of the matter! We cannot avert our gaze from the dark reality—poverty and inequality persist. The endemic poverty gnawing at the very fabric of our nations fuels frustration and disillusionment, opening the floodgates to political instability. It is incumbent upon us to invest in programs that uplift the vulnerable and extend the fruits of development to every corner of our lands. By providing adequate welfare, we fortify the foundations of democracy and sow the seeds of a more harmonious society.

However, you cannot ignore the troubling fact that some of your own citizens find themselves swayed by the allure of military juntas when the underlying problems are inadequately addressed. Their support for these coups underscores our shortcomings in delivering the promises of democracy. This realization should propel you to action, for it reflects a yearning for change—a change you must deliver!

You must stand together as a united force in preserving democracy. In times of hardship, support one another, share lessons learned, and stand firm against any attempts to undermine our democratic values.

Remember, you shall be remembered not solely by your accomplishments, but by the depth of your commitment to the well-being of your people. Prioritize accountability and welfare, and you shall etch your name in the annals of history as a leader who championed the cause of the people and upheld the sacred ideals of democracy.

The trials faced by your neighbors must serve as a mirror to our own leadership. The destiny of Africa lies in your hands, and it is up to you all to shape it for the better. So, rise to the occasion and renew your pledge to preserve democracy, uphold accountability, and safeguard the welfare of your people. Together, we shall forge a path towards a brighter, more stable, and prosperous Africa—a continent united in its pursuit of democracy and progress!

Now is the time for decisive action, African leaders! Your continent’s future hangs in the balance, and it is in your hands to paint a masterpiece of democracy that will stand the test of time.

Onward, African leaders! The clarion call has been sounded—let your collective efforts echo through history as a testament to the indomitable spirit of democracy in Africa! The fate of your nations is intertwined, and your actions today shall shape the destiny of generations to come.

Do not falter—your mission is clear, and the time for change is now!

Opeyemi Oladimeji is a Development Proffesional, Policy Analyst and the Founder/Team Lead of Future Builders Initiative.