In a report by Ghana Web, The leader of Guinea’s military junta, Col Mamady Doumbouya, has denounced the Western model of democracy as unsuitable for Africa, in his first speech at the UN General Assembly. He said that Africa was suffering from a “model of governance that has been imposed on us” and that it was time to “stop lecturing us and stop treating us with condescension like children”.
Col Doumbouya seized power in a coup on 5 September, overthrowing President Alpha Condé, who had changed the constitution to extend his rule for a third term. The coup was widely welcomed by Guineans who were frustrated by corruption, poverty, and human rights abuses under Mr Condé’s regime. However, the coup was condemned by the UN, the African Union, and the regional bloc Ecowas, which suspended Guinea’s membership and called for a swift return to civilian rule.
Col Doumbouya defended his actions, saying that he had acted “to save our country from complete chaos”. He also said that he was committed to a “peaceful and inclusive” transition, and that he would respect the “sovereignty and territorial integrity” of Guinea. He did not give any details or timeline for the transition, but said that he would consult with various stakeholders, including political parties, civil society, and religious leaders.
Col Doumbouya’s speech comes amid a wave of coups and political instability in West and Central Africa, where several countries have seen their leaders defy term limits, rig elections, or crack down on dissent. In Mali, two coups have taken place in less than a year, while in Chad, the son of the late president Idriss Déby took over after his father was killed by rebels. In Niger, Burkina Faso, and Gabon, there have also been attempts or plots to overthrow the government.
Some analysts have argued that these coups reflect the failure of Western-style democracy to address the needs and aspirations of African people, and that the continent has its own rich and diverse democratic traditions to draw from. Others have warned that military rule is not a solution, and that it could lead to more violence, repression, and economic decline.
The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has urged African leaders and the international community to work together to restore and strengthen democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in the continent. He has also called for more support for the African Union and Ecowas, which have been trying to mediate and prevent conflicts in the region.
