Africa Needs Strong Leadership For Democratic Survival- U.S. Envoy
Amb. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Representative to the United Nations says for democratic delivery, countries must imbibe strong leadership and address issues of corruption.
She said that this development was necessitated by the AU Financing Security Council Resolution in 2023.
She emphasised the importance of the media in upholding democracy and holding leaders accountable across the African continent.
She said the observations were particularly informed by her recent trip to West Africa, following democratic challenges in the region.
“Another key thing on my trip was peace and security, which are linked with democracy because democracy is a choice we all must make every single day.”
According to her, the resolution was a significant step for African leaders and people at the forefront of peace-keeping effort.
She said that the resolution underscored the primacy of politics and the need for a coherent political strategy that would guide any peace-keeping operation.
She also said the resolution emphasised the need for coherent political strategy and appropriate safeguards to protect civilians with the UN committed to providing 75 per cent for AU missions.
Assessing the state of democracy in Sierra Leone, following a failed coup attempt, Thomas-Greenfield said democracy was not a straight line process.
“We condemn the attempted coup that took place in Sierra Leone, and we want to work with the government to help establish a path forward.
“We express our support to President Bio for his call for national unity, and his efforts to urge Sierra Leone to work together to build a unified country in the national interests of all,” she added.
Thomas-Greenfield explained that democracy was the basis for the announcement she made in Freetown, that the U.S. was committing $1.5 million to support Sierra Leone’s electoral reform processes.
This funding, she said, will help provide the technical and legal assistance needed to strengthen democracy in Sierra Leone as well as fuel civilian engagement to increase everyday people’s awareness, buy-in, and ownership.
According to her, the international community has a responsibility to empower AU missions to respond to the continent’s growing security challenges
