Security expert, Richard Kumador has said that it is high time the appointment of leaders of the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are reviewed to ensure that these organizations are effective in executing their mandates.
In an interview with Samuel Eshun on the Happy Morning Show, he said, “Look at the people they have assigned as chairmen and all that. Should it not be the case that we will assign an ex-president or a neutral person as the head of ECOWAS or the African Union who will enforce the law because they have no personal interest?”
He stressed that leaders of these organizations are unable to enforce any sanctions because often, they are also culpable of the unfortunate acts their colleagues involve themselves in.
“There have been several issues within the West African zone for which ECOWAS has no clue. So take West Africa and benchmark it against Eastern Africa, Northern Africa and Central Africa, you will see the peculiar case we have in West Africa and that is what has degenerated into what we have seen today. Check their history. It has been issues of tribal, personal, court settling issues, among the rest”, he added.
It has been reported that an opposition protest near Ivory Coast’s main city Abidjan has taken place two weeks ahead of the country’s presidential election, leaving some dead and others injured.
In the same West African zone, Nigeria’s security forces have reportedly shot at protesters demonstrating against the country’s Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) accused of brutality.
Many have called on the African Union and the ECOWAS to condemn these acts and take action to bring calm to these countries.
By: Alberta Dorcas N D Armah
