***Calls for International Sanctions and Accountability for African Leaders
Political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has strongly condemned recent elections in Tanzania, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast, describing them as “sham exercises” and “a disgrace to the African continent.”
Frank stated that these were not genuine elections but “selections” marred by manipulation, intimidation, and political violence. He lamented that incumbent leaders in Africa continue to impose themselves through fraudulent means instead of allowing the will of the people to prevail.
“These elections are a disgrace and shame to Africa. In this 21st century, the continent should be making democratic progress, but what we see instead is a growing culture of rigging, violence, and oppression,” Frank said.
He urged the international community, including the United Nations, the United States, and the European Union, not to recognise or congratulate the outcomes of these fraudulent polls. Frank called for decisive global action to protect democracy in Africa, warning that inaction could lead to widespread civil unrest and further coups.
As the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, Frank also called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate and hold the leaders of Tanzania, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast accountable for electoral violence and loss of lives during the recent elections.
“The U.S. and EU should impose targeted sanctions on these leaders and their associates who have destroyed the democratic process in their countries,” he added.
Frank criticized the greed and corruption of African leaders, saying they have abandoned the vision of founding fathers such as Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, Nelson Mandela, Thomas Sankara, Patrice Lumumba, Modibo Keita, and Haile Selassie.
“The Africa we see today is not the one our heroes fought for. The dream of unity, one currency, and one passport has been replaced by selfishness and deceit. With these corrupt leaders, the vision of our founding fathers cannot be achieved,” he said.
He urged African youths to continue defending democracy and their right to vote:
“Those who have died defending their votes are heroes. The young generation must continue to resist oppression and stand for justice.”
Frank also called for international attention to the situation in Tanzania, where citizens are protesting against a compromised electoral process.
“The people are aggrieved because they know the election was rigged even before results were announced. The world must act now,” he said.
Turning to Nigeria, Frank cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the polls must not follow the same path of manipulation seen elsewhere in Africa.
“Nigeria’s 2027 election must not be business as usual. Any attempt to subvert the people’s will will be strongly resisted. Nigerians will no longer remain silent,” he warned.
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