Luanda: Angolan diplomat Miguel Bembe emphasized the importance of good governance as a cornerstone for sustainable peace during the 1288th Meeting of the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council. This meeting, addressing elections in Africa from January to June 2025, highlighted the diplomat’s belief that credible and transparent elections are essential to achieving this goal.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Bembe articulated that good governance leads to the establishment of legitimate institutions, bolsters citizens’ trust in the state, and mitigates instability. Although the continent has seen progress, he acknowledged ongoing challenges that undermine the shared vision of peace and stability. These include constitutional amendments extending presidential terms, manipulated referendums lacking popular support, and unconstitutional government changes disrupting democratic cycles.
Bembe also pointed out the political exclusion of opposition figures, weakened fundamental freedoms, and the limited involvement of vulnerable groups such as women, youth, and people with disabilities in electoral and decision-making processes. To address these issues, he suggested creating a Continental Code of Conduct on Constitutional Amendments, emphasizing public consultations and democratic necessity.
Furthermore, Bembe proposed promoting peaceful power transitions through civic campaigns and political socialization, engaging various actors like political parties, interest groups, governments, and civil society organizations. He also recommended considering gradual sanctions for leaders who manipulate referendums to remain in power unconstitutionally, violating the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance.
The Angolan delegation’s recommendations included encouraging member states to adopt transparent public electoral budgets, ensuring elections are funded by national treasuries to minimize external influences. Additionally, Bembe advocated for establishing an African Early Warning Mechanism for Good Governance to detect democratic backsliding and deploy preventive diplomacy missions.
Reaffirming Angola’s commitment, Bembe stressed the importance of inclusive dialogue, preventive diplomacy, and institutional strengthening as means to consolidate peace and foster a prosperous, democratic, and resilient Africa. The meeting also provided an opportunity for Angola to commend the Union of the Comoros, the Republic of Burundi, and notably, the Gabonese Republic for conducting peaceful and inclusive elections, restoring constitutional order.