Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for inclusivity as a means of consolidating democracy and promoting peace and progress in Africa.

Jonathan made the call at the Second Annual Retreat of Regional Economic Communities (RECs) Special Envoys, High Representatives, organised by International IDEA in Abuja on Tuesday, October 24, 2023.

The former president, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, said in the face of increasing military coups on the continent, especially in West Africa, inclusivity and good governance are what the people need to convince that civilian administrations are better than military governments.

He urged African leaders to work for the interest of all and avoid actions that could further divide the people and polarise their nations, stressing that democracy will serve the people better if African leaders at all levels respect the laws of their nations.

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Jonathan said: “In Africa, democracy is currently facing many challenges including resurgence of coup d’état,  citizen disenchantment, rising insecurity and tough economic situations for which special panels like this one is expected to interrogate and proffer solutions.

“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.”

Jonathan noted that the issue of inclusivity is a key part of the discussions for improving the convergence principle mentioned in the ECOWAS Protocol on democracy and good governance.

The former president further charged the participants at the two-day high-level retreat to come up with “concrete and actionable recommendations to respond in a sustainable and inclusive manner to these complex situations.”

The Star