Former APC spokesperson and governance advocate Timi Frank has strongly condemned the recent military takeover in Guinea-Bissau, describing it as a clear indication of the weakening democratic systems across Africa.
Frank Condemns Military Rule, Calls for Regional Action
In a statement released from Abuja on Thursday, November 27, Frank declared that no form of military rule is acceptable in modern Africa. However, he emphasized that African leaders and regional bodies must acknowledge their role in creating environments where such crises can flourish.
Frank highlighted repeated election fraud, constitutional manipulation, political intimidation, and refusal to hand over power as key factors that make military takeovers more likely. He argued that these democratic shortcomings create fertile ground for military interventions.
Regional Bodies Accused of Selective Condemnation
The governance advocate accused the African Union and ECOWAS of reacting swiftly to military takeovers while ignoring long-standing abuses by civilian governments. According to Frank, regional organizations lose moral credibility when they condemn soldiers but overlook rigged elections or leaders who cling to power unlawfully.
Frank, who also serves as a representative of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, pointed to recent political controversies in Tanzania, Cameroon, and Côte d'Ivoire as examples of democratic decay. He contrasted these nations with countries like Ghana, Namibia, and Botswana, which maintain stable electoral processes.
180-Day Transition Demand and International Sanctions
Frank issued a direct demand to Guinea-Bissau's military authorities to immediately begin a transition program and return the country to democratic rule within six months. He insisted that only transparent elections within this 180-day period would help restore confidence and rebuild constitutional order.
The activist also called on the international community, particularly the United States, to sanction African leaders who undermine democracy through electoral malpractice or illegal tenure extensions. He challenged the AU to revive the founding vision of unity and accountability championed by early African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah and Julius Nyerere.
Frank criticized what he called political coups carried out through rigged ballots or constitutional alterations, arguing they are even more damaging than military takeovers. He warned that without genuine transparency, accountability, and credible elections, Africa should expect more instability.
The former APC spokesperson reaffirmed his commitment to constitutional rule, stating that Africa can only move forward when leaders respect term limits, uphold fairness, and place the people's mandate above personal ambition.
