TheCable

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says the increasing number of military coups across Africa shows youths in the continents are seeking liberators. 

Obasanjo spoke while hosting a group of youths under the aegis of Africa for Africa Youth Initiative (A4A) on Tuesday at his library in Abeokuta, Ogun state.

In the last three years, at least seven military coups have taken place on the continent, with the latest in Gabon on August 30.

Speaking on the trend, Obasanjo said the coups indicate “that the people are tired of some things in their countries” and urged African leaders to address “conditions that encourage the type of things”.

“The rising case of military coups in Africa shows that the people are tired of some things in their countries and in need of liberators,” Obasanjo said.

“The point is, do we have conditions that encourage the type of things that are happening? If we don’t have the conditions that encourage them, they may not happen.

“That does not mean it should be encouraged. What it means is that we should make sure that we do everything to prevent military takeovers from happening.

“When you see things that happen in many countries, and I will not exclude Nigeria, then you wonder. But, don’t forget, particularly the youths, they support most of these military takeovers.

“One, let me make it clear: I do not support a coup d’etat. Because, personally, I have been a victim of a coup d’etat.

“Two, the good thing about democracy, if it works and delivers, is that you can sit down and dialogue and debate and discuss.

“But your democracy must take integrity along with it. Your democracy must take honesty along with it. Your democracy must take character along with it.

“Your democracy must take those attributes, God-given attributes, inclusive society, no marginalisation, no exclusion and no favouritism.”

Earlier this month, Obasanjo said Africa must rethink its adoption of the liberal type of democracy practised in the West.