Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has voiced grave worry over the growing number of coup d’états taking place on the African continent.
He explains these military takeovers as the result of difficult economic times that led to the overthrow of democratically elected governments.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II fiercely rejected the idea of military coups as a solution to Africa’s issues when speaking at the St. Andrews Africa Summit in Scotland. He reiterated that he is adamant that military takeovers are not the solution, regardless of the situation.
“Let me make it categorically clear that regardless of the circumstances, I do not think that a military takeover offers the solution to the problems of our continent. There was a time when circumstances produced the notion that the gun was the solution, those times are over.
“We are in completely different circumstances now. The critical problems confronting Africans’ economy from North to South, East to West, the burden is the economy,” Asantehene spoke.
In recent years, coups have occurred in a number of African nations, with Niger and Gabon being the most noteworthy examples.
The most recent event took place in Gabon on August 30 when military personnel took charge and declared the election results invalid, making President Ali Bongo the winner.
The opposition has accused the election commission of fraud after its announcement.