In his strong-worded remarks last year, Mama Kandeh, the Leader of Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), berated African leaders under the flagship of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), for establishing an anti-coup unit “to defend themselves.” Kandeh stated this during closing remarks he gave at GDC Congress last December. He argued that the leaders do not represent democracy.
This came amid ECOWAS’ threat to the military junta and the presidential guard led by Abdourahamane Tiani [now Head of State], in the Republic of Niger who ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. The ECOWAS, under Nigeria’s President’s leadership, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, strongly condemned the coup and gave the putschists a week ultimatum to restore democratic government in the francophone country.
But the putschists rejected the warning and unanimously said: “We want to once more remind ECOWAS or any other adventurer of our firm determination to defend our homeland.”
They went ahead to seek Russia’s help as ECOWAS considers military intervention. They said they seized power as a result of “bad governance and worsening security,” according to TheCable. In 2021, the same Nigerian presidential guard “thwarted” an attempted coup some days before Bazoum was sworn-in.
KANDEH’S WORDS
In an archived video published by SaharaTV, the politician said it is ironic how ECOWAS frowns at activities of military coup d’etat, yet they abuse power and mislead the electorates.
“As an African and a Pan-Africanist, I am deeply concerned about West Africa,” he said. “Recently, I have observed the introduction of the anti-coup d’état unit by ECOWAS.
Let me make it clear that we are not in support of coups d’état.
I want them to hear this message.
As a former member of the Pan-African Parliament, I have strongly advocated for measures to eradicate coups d’état.
I am not in favour of coups, but I have a concern.”
He continued: “Before setting up a unit in ECOWAS, shouldn’t they examine the root causes and understand why these coups are happening?
They should prioritise the interests of the people.
It seems like they only established this unit to defend themselves.
“Let them put their house in order.
I believe it is not in order.
What is more coup-like than a national constitution that gives you a two-term limit of five years, and yet you want to change the constitution to extend your term?
Isn’t that a coup d’état?
Just because you feel you have the power to do it?
The soldiers also have the power to do that, in the name of civilians.”
He also accused the leaders of corruption and infringement of human rights, saying they do not respect the democratic constitution.
While giving examples of such, Kande recalled how the Gambian government in 2016 mentioned that they were serving for only 3 years but exceeded the limit and violently retaliated when the citizens reminded them of their earlier promise.
“Looting resources, misleading people, torturing them, burning down their businesses, and imprisoning them… And you call that democracy?
Leaders must stop lying to their electorates first, and acknowledge that they are not better than anybody.
They are given a role to ensure peace and respect the Constitution, but that is not happening.
“For example, the Gambian government lied in 2016 when they said they would only serve for three years.
When people started reminding them of their promise, they responded by using tear gas against them and even boasted about it.
Doesn’t that anger the people? You promised them sector reforms but failed to deliver.
Then you seize the assets of the former president.
Before creating any unit to address anything,
stop lying to your people and fix yourselves. Then you can talk about anti-coup efforts.”
“More than 300 Guineans were brutally killed under civilian rule, and ECOWAS did not take any action. This is the game being played in Africa. Where is the fairness in ECOWAS?
They are not representing us; they are representing themselves.
We are calling on them to remember that power belongs to the people.
“I am urging ECOWAS to do the right thing,” he added.