Timi Frank Condemns Coup In Guinea-Bissau, Blames African Leaders

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Global Governance Advocate, Comrade Timi Frank, has strongly condemned the recent coup in Guinea-Bissau, describing it as “an unacceptable interruption of democratic order and a tragic reflection of the deepening governance failures across Africa.”

In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, Frank warned that while coups are unlawful and must never be encouraged, African leaders and regional bodies must also accept responsibility for enabling the circumstances that lead to forceful power seizures.

“I unequivocally condemn the coup in Guinea-Bissau. Military rule is never the answer,” said Frank, who was recently appointed Senior Advisor by the Global Friendship City Association (GFCA) of USA.

“However, the rise of coups is a direct consequence of the persistent breakdown of democracy in Africa – rigged elections, constitutional manipulation, suppression of opposition, and leaders who refuse to relinquish power.”

Frank expressed concern that although the African Union (AU) and ECOWAS were swift in condemning military interventions, they often ignored democratic erosion caused by civilian leaders who undermine elections, alter constitutions for personal gain, and disregard the will of the people.

“How do AU and ECOWAS condemn coups with moral authority when they look away as leaders rig elections, intimidate opponents and illegally extend term limits? Democracy must be protected at its roots — not only after it collapses,” he added.

Frank, who also serves as the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, cited controversies in Tanzania, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire and other countries as examples of weakened democratic systems driving instability.

He, however, commended Ghana, Namibia and Botswana for sustaining credible electoral processes.

While affirming that no military takeover is justifiable, Frank urged Guinea-Bissau’s junta to immediately commence a transition programme and restore civil rule within six months.

“The military authorities must prioritise national stability and conduct a free, fair and transparent election within 180 days,” he said.

“Only then can Guinea-Bissau rebuild trust, restore constitutional order and protect its sovereignty.”

Frank further called on the international community – particularly the United States – to impose sanctions on African leaders who subvert democracy through election rigging or unconstitutional tenure extensions.

He urged the AU to revive the founding ideals of Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, Haile Selassie, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Jomo Kenyatta and others who envisioned a united, democratic and accountable continent.

“The AU was created to unite Africa — one passport, one currency, one future. But today that dream is stalled. Many leaders have become toothless, and the continent is paying the price,” he said.

“We often blame the West, yet there are no coups there because institutions work and elections are credible. When opposition loses, they accept results because the system is fair. In Africa, the reverse is true.”

Frank referenced Cameroon’s recent election as a “classical example of democratic decay,” noting that President Paul Biya, who is 92-year-old, “again manipulated the system to retain power despite public rejection.”

“Political coups – the rigging of elections and manipulation of constitutions – are even more dangerous than military coups. Until African leaders change their conduct and respect the will of the people, instability will persist,” he warned.

He challenged the AU to evolve from a reactive body to one that prevents democratic breakdown rather than merely responding after power is seized.

“Without transparency, accountability and credible elections, more coups are inevitable.”

Frank reaffirmed his commitment to justice, constitutionalism and democratic stability in Africa.

“We will continue to oppose illegality – whether military or civilian. A new Africa is possible, but it must be built on truth, term limits and respect for the people’s mandate,” Frank stated.