Former APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary and global governance advocate, Comrade Timi Frank, has condemned the recent military takeover in Guinea-Bissau, calling it “a dangerous interruption of democracy and a warning of Africa’s deeper governance crisis.”
In a statement Thursday, Frank stressed that while coups are unacceptable, African leaders and regional bodies share responsibility for creating conditions that make them possible.
“Military rule is never the answer. But we cannot ignore that coups emerge from failing democracies—rigged elections, unconstitutional term extensions, and leaders who refuse to respect the people’s will,” he said.
Frank, recently appointed Senior Advisor to the Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA, criticised the African Union (AU) and ECOWAS for responding quickly to military takeovers while overlooking democratic abuses by civilian leaders.
“How can AU and ECOWAS speak with moral authority when they ignore election manipulation, intimidation of opponents, and leaders who cling to power illegally? Democracy must be protected before it collapses, not after,” he added.
Highlighting examples in Cameroon, Tanzania, and Côte d’Ivoire, Frank stressed the need for proactive leadership, while praising Ghana, Namibia, and Botswana for sustaining credible electoral processes.
He urged Guinea-Bissau’s military authorities to initiate a swift transition to civilian rule, with free, fair elections held within 180 days:
“Restoring trust, constitutional order, and national stability is urgent. The people must decide their future.”
Frank also called on the international community to hold accountable African leaders who undermine democracy through rigged elections or unconstitutional tenure extensions.
“Political coups—through elections rigging or constitutional manipulation—can be even more dangerous than military coups. Until African leaders respect the people’s mandate, instability will persist.”
He challenged the AU to return to the founding ideals of leaders like Nkrumah, Nyerere, and Kenyatta, and evolve into a proactive guardian of democracy.
“Africa can rise again, but only through transparency, accountability, term limits, and respect for the people’s will.”