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Coups: International IDEA, regional envoys lead the way for inclusive governance, constitutional transition in Africa

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Coups: International IDEA, regional envoys lead the way for inclusive governance, constitutional transition in Africa

By: Michael Mike

•Jonathan, Chambas, ECOWAS, AU, IGAD harps on strengthening democracy 
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), Regional Economic Communities (RECs), special envoys, and other key stakeholders are leading the way for inclusive governance and constitutional transition in Africa.


This was the main focus of the just concluded two-day “2nd Annual Retreat for Special Envoys and High Officials representing the RECs on Constitutional Transitions and Unconstitutional Changes of Governments” in Abuja, organized by International IDEA in collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission and Foreign Ministry of the Netherlands.
Speaking at the event in response to the resurgent Coup in parts of Africa, former President and ECOWAS Special Envoy, Goodluck Jonathan, stressed the need for inclusivity and constitutional transition of government to maintain stability in the society. 


Jonathan stressed that the dialogue on inclusivity should delve into how RECs and Special Envoys respond to constitutional transitions and unconstitutional government changes in alignment with democratic principles.
He said: “I have always said that there is a strong connection between democracy and development, hence the need to deepen democracy, make it more inclusive, and strengthen the institutions of governance, towards building a stable and prosperous society.”
He urged the stakeholders to place more emphasis on strengthening structures for credible elections, peace meditations, and good governance. He said discussions should explore the monitoring of responses to crises, and their adaptability in a rapidly evolving context due to factors such as security, climate change, and humanitarian challenges.
In his remarks, Secretary-General International IDEA, Dr Kevin Casas-Zamora,  stated its commitment to promoting Constitutional Transitions in Africa noting that it’s a pivotal opportunity for inclusive reform and democratic consolidation. 
He said, “History teaches a crucial lesson: a significant portion of the population must feel they have a stake in the political system to prevent challenges, often violent, from those feeling excluded. Constitutional transitions, particularly following unconstitutional changes of government, are critical junctures in which all stakeholders must have a vested interest. 
“Ensuring broad-based trust and ownership during these times fortifies public and stakeholder confidence in the new political order, creating safeguards against future attempts to undermine the transition,” he explained.
Zamora noted that key findings emanating from the International IDEA’s “Global State of Democracy Report” revealed that “this is a challenging time for democracy globally”. 

According to him, their data showed that this is the sixth consecutive year of democratic deterioration globally, the longest such sequence since our records started in 1975. 

The International IDEA scribe lamented that over two-thirds of the world’s population now lives in non-democratic regimes or in countries where democracy is visibly retreating. 

“Our report documents the considerable pressures faced by democratic governments everywhere: rising populism; declining trust in institutions; runaway polarization; unmet social expectations; pressing environmental challenges; and an increasingly toxic information environment,” Zamora disclosed.

In the same vein, Ambassador Muhammad Yonis, representing the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), emphasized the perils associated with a lack of inclusivity, underlining the potential for unrest or tribal discord. He acknowledged that, in some instances, disillusionment with corrupt governments may lead some to favor a military takeover. 


However, Yonis stressed the importance of engaging with such forces through open dialogue and public involvement.
The IGAD Senior Advisor to Chief Negotiator,  also cautioned against the adoption of colonial-era constitutions, asserting that this approach may not be suitable for contemporary contexts.


Drawing from his experience in Somalia, he pointed to the structural deficiencies that had led to political instability, where presidents hung prisoners multiple times within a single term, and some leaders remained in power for extended periods, ranging from eight to twenty years.
While acknowledging that the IGAD region is not entirely immune to the potential for unconstitutional government changes, Yonis highlighted that such instances are relatively rare within the region.


Ambassador Addel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, pointed out that while the African Union, ECOWAS, and other regional organizations possess documents designed to fortify democracy, they continue to grapple with challenges.
Musah highlighted the necessity of examining factors such as poverty and exclusive politics, questioning the root causes behind the surge in coups. He urged for a deeper exploration of whether poverty plays a significant role in these events, emphasizing the relevance of the digital advancements that characterize the era.


The Ambassador said, “We need to talk about poverty, exclusive politics. There must be a reason why there is an epidemic of coups. Is it poverty? We are in an era where we have to look at digital advancement.


“There is organized labor but the military is now abandoning its primary role and taking over power. In West Africa, we had 9 coups. Unsuccessful coups have been there. On the day of the inauguration, Bazoum faced a coup,” he lamented.


Musah urged for a nuanced understanding of these situations, emphasizing that the blame should not be solely placed on governance issues. While concerns about insecurity are raised, he highlighted the crucial role of the environment in these circumstances. The military, he noted, is traditionally tasked with providing security, making it pertinent for them to fulfill this duty.


In a stark portrayal of the situation, the ECOWAS  Commissioner shared alarming statistics, stating that over two million people are displaced in Burkina Faso, and more than one million children are deprived of education. He underscored that the security situation is deteriorating in Mali and Niger.


To ensure a smooth and inclusive transition, Musah implored the international community to exercise patience, recognizing the complexity of these challenges.


Also speaking, the African Union (AU) High Representative for Silencing the Guns, Amb. Mohammed ibn Chambas said the Union is in solidarity with International IDEA.


“Violation of human rights, violation of African rights, and our resources are often exploited to our disadvantage,” Chambas said.


“We must abide by the principle of non-differentness. We must push forward the agenda for conflict resolution through the African peace architecture,” he stressed, adding that “we must ensure that African standby forces work”.


On his part, Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb Williams Wouter Plomp, said African countries are facing a rise in unconstitutional government transition without constitutional reforms.
“We want inclusion. ECOWAS and others must devise mechanisms to help entrench constitutional government.”


Also speaking, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, who was represented by the Director of African Affairs, Amb. Salisu Umar decried what he described as an “avoidable crisis of unconstitutional change of governments in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Niger, Gabon, and others”.


“This has to be reversed. These unconstitutional changes are taking place despite things that are supposed to deter the actors. Africa is signatory to treaties and conventions but the reasons why the continent is still where it needs to be interrogated,”the minister said.


The gathering which epitomizes the spirit of collaboration and commitment to democratic values, was championed by IDEA. The annual retreat offers a platform for experts and political leaders to explore the critical themes surrounding democracy’s sustainability, making it an apt demonstration of International IDEA’s multifaceted contributions.

International IDEA, established in 1995 as an intergovernmental organization, is dedicated to promoting sustainable democracy worldwide.

The organization specializes in policy-friendly research and analysis related to elections, parliaments, constitutions, digitalization, climate change, inclusion, and political representation, all aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Coups: International IDEA, regional envoys lead the way for inclusive governance, constitutional transition in Africa

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International Police Academy – UNIPOL Appoints Joseph Icha, as Director International Counter Narcotics Training Nigeria Section

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August 21, 2025

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International Police Academy – UNIPOL Appoints Joseph Icha, as Director International Counter Narcotics Training Nigeria Section

By: Bodunrin Kayode

The international Police Academy (UNIPOL) has Appointed Deputy Commander General (DCG) Joseph Icha,
Director Training and Manpower Development, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as Director International Counter Narcotics Training Nigeria Section.

A statement from the academy’s management stated that “the academy proudly announces the appointment of
DCG Joseph Icha, Director Training and Manpower Development, NDLEA as Director International Counter Narcotics Training Nigeria Section.

“This appointment recognizes
DCG Joseph Icha, Director Training and Manpower Development, NDLEA. exceptional contributions to national security, law enforcement leadership, and international cooperation.”

Icha has served the Agency in various Senior Management capacities as Principal Staff Officer, Assistant State Commander, Assistant Director, State Commander, and Deputy Director among others, with commendations.

The new international counter narcotics boss has attended several law enforcement courses on Drug Supply Suppression and Drug Demand Reduction within and outside the country.

“He is a Master Trainer with the United Nations Office of Drug and Crime (UNODC) in Drug Law Enforcement intelligence led investigation strategies and Criminal Intelligence. ” said the statement.

Joseph Icha has facilitated training programmes on behalf of UNODC to various law enforcement agencies in the country.

DCG Joseph Icha is a Law Enforcement Operative, mentor, curriculum designer, and advisor per excellence.

He is also a member of several international professional Organizations and currently is the Director Training and Manpower Development of NDLEA.

This important appointment was pronounced under the leadership of Dr. Alexander Jan M (Hany El Zahar), Executive Director, Founder, and CEO of the International Police Academy – UNIPOL, and IPA President (Rtd.) Senior Superintendent of Police Shuaib Adam HSC OLY VJ, International Director of Law Enforcement, Police, and Military, with the support of Prof. Yuval Binstoc (IPA) and Sir Junustia Brecen.

International Police Academy – UNIPOL Appoints Joseph Icha, as Director International Counter Narcotics Training Nigeria Section

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Plateau State Complied with the deadline for 2024 Audited financial Reports…. Manset

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3 hours ago

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August 21, 2025

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Plateau State Complied with the deadline for 2024 Audited financial Reports…. Manset

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Plateau State Accountant General Naanret Manset has said that it was not true that Plateau state has refused to comply with the deadline given to states for the submission of 2024 audited financial statements.

Reacting to a report published recently, the accountant general in a statement noted that “the attention of the Office of the Accountant-General of Plateau State has been drawn to a publication by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) titled ‘It’s Past Deadline, 5 States Fail to Publish 2024 Financial Statements’, which wrongly lists Plateau State as one of the defaulters.”

Naanret Manset maintained that “For the record, Plateau State fully complied with all statutory timelines for the preparation, audit, and publication of its 2024 audited financial statements

“Submitted same to the Auditor-General in May, 2025 which is within the stipulated period of 6 months.

“Audit completed in June, 2025 and forwarded to the House of Assembly which is also within the stipulated period of 3 months.

“Approved by the House of Assembly
Published online on 27 July 2025, below the legal timeline of 9 months.
The audited report is publicly available here:

“We urge FIJ to promptly correct their publication and remove Plateau State from the list of non-compliant states.
Plateau State remains committed to transparency, accountability, and timely financial reporting.” It noted.

The FIJ had recently published that six Nigerian states are yet to publish their audited financial statements for the 2024 fiscal year.

It revealed that five of such erring states have already past their statutorily implied deadlines which Plateau is saying is not true as it applies to them.

The publication had said that ” erring states are Akwa Ibom, Kaduna, Ogun, Oyo, Plateau and Rivers.

“In Akwa Ibom’s case, its amended 2021 audit law gives the auditor general up to nine months to publish the report online after submitting it to the House of Assembly.

“The Accountant General has six months to present the books, followed by a 90-day audit and submission period.

” In the other five states, audit laws differ in the year they were enacted or updated, but the process is similar.

“The Accountant General must submit the financial documents to the audit office within three months after the financial year ends.

” The Auditor General is then required to audit the report, send it to the House of Assembly and publish it immediately.

“The Ogun State Audit Law (2021), Rivers State Audit Law (2021, as amended), Akwa Ibom State Audit Law (2021), Oyo State Audit Commission Law (2021) and Plateau State Audit Law (2021) all set out these requirements.

” In Rivers, however, publishing the audit is left to the discretion of the Auditor General.

“In past years, these states have published their audits between June and August. Some have also been ranked among the lowest in transparency.

” The CJID Openness Index, released in July 2024, placed all six in the bottom tier along with 10 others.”

Recently, FIJ reported Akwa Ibom’s repeated disregard for budgetary transparency despite binding provisions in its Fiscal Responsibility Law.

The FIJ report maintained that two states Yobe and Ekiti, scored above average for transparency and accountability in 2024, with 73 per cent and 54 per cent, according to the Sub national Audit Efficacy Index, published by the Paradigm Leadership Initiative.

The report noted that the annual assessment, which measures financial transparency and policy adoption across Nigeria’s state governments, shows a familiar trend: “stagnation or decline.”

Plateau State Complied with the deadline for 2024 Audited financial Reports…. Manset

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Prof. Ribah clarifies stance on dialogue, says he does not support ransom or levies to bandits

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3 hours ago

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August 21, 2025

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Prof. Ribah clarifies stance on dialogue, says he does not support ransom or levies to bandits

…cautions against misrepresentation of position on dialogue with bandits…

By: Zagazola Makama

Prof. Abubakar Usman Ribah, a peace advocate and member of the Peace Committee, has cautioned social media users against misrepresenting his views on dialogue with bandits as a strategy for sustaining peace in the troubled North West Zone.

Ribah, in a video made available to newsmen on Wednesday, said his comments on dialogue had been twisted and circulated on Facebook, TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), in ways that fuel misunderstanding and hostility.

He urged users to “fear God and stop changing the narrative to suit their own views,” stressing that selective quoting of his remarks was misleading and unfair.

“Social media users should fear God and stop changing the narrative that goes contrary to our own views. You are quoting a segment that suits your narratives, leaving out the rest, and continue to circulate it. That is misrepresentation,” Ribah said.

He explained that his position on dialogue was not in support of paying levies or ransoms to bandits but in favour of a government-led engagement that addresses the root causes of the conflict.

“We believe that fighting with guns only prolongs crises. For 10 years, it has not yielded results, and that is why we wanted to end it through dialogue.

“And the dialogue we are seeking is not the one where villagers go on their own to negotiate with bandits, pay levies in order to farm, or pay ransom to release family members. That type of dialogue is not sustainable. It is betrayal.

“The dialogue we support is the one led by government, where authorities can solve the pressing issues between farmers and herders, and address the needs and demands of all conflicting parties,” he said.

Ribah clarified that his advocacy for dialogue predated the current administration and had been consistent for more than seven years.

“This did not start with this government. I have been engaging in dialogue for over seven years. You can go through my pages. War cannot end war, but dialogue will, if both conflicting parties agree. This is what we are talking about,” he said.

The peace advocate dismissed allegations that he and other members of the Peace Committee were shielding or supporting bandits.

“Some are accusing us of supporting bandits, some are accusing us of giving them protection. But how can we protect bandits that are killing people? No way. What we want is to stop the bloodshed, where everyone will be allowed to go about his normal life,” he stressed.

Ribah further accused some social media commentators of being “conflict entrepreneurs,” whom he said benefitted from circulating negative reports of attacks.

“Some people benefit from telling negative stories of attacks. They are conflict entrepreneurs. We want them to focus on telling positive stories instead of dwelling on negativity,” he added.

The North West Zone, particularly Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina States, has for years been plagued by banditry, mass killings, abductions, and forced displacement, with government and stakeholders divided over the most effective approach to peacebuilding.

Prof. Ribah clarifies stance on dialogue, says he does not support ransom or levies to bandits

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