The NEWS (Monrovia)
30 December 2008
editorial
Monrovia — Contrary to the Constitution of neighboring Guinea, elements within the military are consolidating their seizure of power following the death of President Lansana Conte last week.
Although there are reports that ordinary citizens and some civilian officials in the late President Conte's government have welcomed the military takeover, it appears that such a welcomed move is an apparent anxiety for change following 24 years of rule under one man.
Meanwhile, the military men are promising to clean up Guinea of corruption within two years, a purpose for which they say they have seized power and would thereafter hold democratic elections in 2010.
But hasn't the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) along with the African Union in February of 2005 set a regional precedence by compelling compliance of the Republic of Togo to stick to its Constitution following the death of President Gnassingbe Eyadema when the Togolese military, contrary to the constitution, installed the late President's son Faure Gnassingbe as president?
ECOWAS in no uncertain terms condemned the military action in Togo and threatened Togo with sanctions if the constitution was not followed in holding election within 60 days.
ECOWAS bluntly said power grab was unacceptable and that the Sub-region was prepared to isolate Togo at all cost.
The international community was cautioned against doing business with Togo.
At the end of the day, the Togolese military budged and elections in Togo were held in April. Although the late President Eyadema's son ran and won the elections under the watchful eyes of ECOWAS, at least the democratic process was adhered to within the constitutional time frame.
It would therefore be morally right and democratically expedient for ECOWAS and the African Union to apply the same level of robust intervention in compelling compliance with the constitution in Guinea.
Failure on the part of ECOWAS to do so would suggest double standards and loss of moral ground.
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