Kenya’s government has once again voiced its disappointment regarding the recurring military takeovers in Africa, particularly in West Africa.
The West Africa region has experienced more than five coups in four years, the latest being the Niger Junta takeover.
In a statement released by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei, Kenya emphasized its opposition to military intervention in civilian affairs. The PS also expressed concern over global leaders who endorse and support coup leaders.
The Principal Secretary’s statement was prompted by the warm reception given to transitional Burkina Faso President Captain Ibrahim Traore during his visit to Russia for a summit with other African leaders.
Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs sees this normalization and dignification of military takeovers as a significant setback to the democratic progress made in Africa.
According to Sing’oei, the actions taken by Russia, particularly the invitation of coup leader Captain Traore, appear to encourage and condone military takeovers. This contradicts the principles of democracy and undermines the legitimacy of democratic processes.
Captain Traore led a coup against Burkina Faso’s democratically elected President Paul-Henri Damiba.
Kenya is deeply concerned about the increasing number of coups in Africa, particularly in the Sahel countries, which have been grappling with prolonged political turmoil.
President William Ruto, in a separate address, has also condemned the coup in Niger. Ruto referred to the coup by Niger’s Junta as a serious setback for Africa’s democratic gains.
The president further called on the Niger military guards to release the detained leader Mohamed Bazoum. Bazoum has been confined to his residence since the coup.
General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the chief of the Presidential Guard, has been named president of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland.
The Kenyan government’s stance on the matter has however sparked mixed reactions.
Some people have pointed out that the coups are a result of unpredictable electoral systems leading to disputed elections. They emphasize the need to build strong institutions in Kenya to avoid facing similar challenges experienced in West Africa.
