Adopted by the Peace and Security Council (PSC) at its 1077^th meeting held on 18 April 2022, on the Declaration of the Reflection Forum on Unconstitutional Changes of Government in Africa (Accra Declaration) held from 15 to 17 March 2022, in Accra, Ghana.

The Peace and Security Council,

Recalling its previous decisions on unconstitutional changes of government, particularly Communiqué [PSC/PR/COMM.1061(2022)], adopted at its 1061^st meeting held on 27 January 2022, which called for the holding of a brainstorming session/seminar of the PSC and other relevant stakeholders on unconstitutional changes of government in Africa;

Notes with appreciation the official opening of the Reflection Forum conducted by H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana and Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, during which he re-emphasized AU’s zero tolerance for the overthrow of constitutionally elected governments;

Guided by the principles enshrined in the various instruments adopted by the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the African Union (AU) to systematically and consistently address the issue of unconstitutional changes of government;

Acting under Article 7 of its Protocol, the Peace and Security Council,

1. Takes note of and endorses the Declaration of the Reflection Forum on Unconstitutional Changes of Government in Africa, the “Accra Declaration”, held from 15 to 17 March 2022, in Accra, Ghana;

2. Expresses sincere gratitude to the Government and People of the Republic of Ghana for hosting the Reflection Forum and for the hospitality accorded to all participants;

3. Further extends due appreciation for the immense contributions made towards the outcome of the Forum by participants, namely the representatives of the African Union (AU) Member States, AU Organs/Institutions, the Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution (RECs/RMs), as well as the representatives of African Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), academia, professional bodies, youth and women groups, and other stakeholders;

4. Decides to submit the Accra Declaration to the Extraordinary Session of the AU Heads of State and Government to be held on 28 May 2022, in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, for consideration and adoption, while looking forward to the outcome of the Extraordinary Summit;

5. Decides to remain seized of the matter.

COMMENTS