**Interview with Bola A. Akinterinwa on African Governance and Geopolitical Tensions**

**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Bola. Given the recent tensions and conflicts in regions like Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine, do you believe Africa might face a similar fate due to governance issues and geopolitical rivalries?

**Akinterinwa:** Absolutely, the threat is quite real. Africa could become a new conflict zone stemming from disagreements over democratic governance. We’re witnessing tensions highlighting the struggles of White South Africans for independence and the intensifying rivalry between Russia and the United States, both of which view Africa as a potential battleground.

**Interviewer:** That’s a serious concern. You mentioned zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes in governance by organizations like the African Union and ECOWAS. Yet, we see these changes happening frequently in Francophone Africa. Why do you think the coups are concentrated there?

**Akinterinwa:** This raises pivotal questions. It appears that the military council in Chad, for instance, bypassed democratic succession after President Idris Déby’s death, which set a troubling precedent. The subsequent coups in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger speak to a pattern, particularly in former French colonies. The question becomes: what underlies this trend?

**Interviewer:** In your opinion, what is the core issue?

**Akinterinwa:** The core issue is the struggle for authentic democratic governance, which is intertwined with the quest to counteract French neo-colonialism. This creates a fundamental conflict between the African Union’s stance and the desires of the people in coup-prone nations. It’s a situation that threatens the very idea of unity and integration in Africa, echoing goals outlined in landmark agreements like the Lagos Plan of Action and the Abuja Treaty.

**Interviewer:** Historically speaking, coups have been prevalent since the 1960s. Could you elaborate on how the colonial legacy influences current governance?

**Akinterinwa:** Yes, historically, military coups were more common in former British colonies, whereas Francophone nations were viewed as models of democracy for some time. However, that perception has shifted dramatically. When France intervened in Togo in 1963, it marked a turning point that challenged the narrative. Despite promises of democratic support, the reality has often been about maintaining control rather than fostering true democracies.

**Interviewer:** You touched upon recent coups, such as the one in Gabon. What drives these events?

**Akinterinwa:** The Gabonese coup was notably a reaction against the emergence of a presidential monarchy, especially given Ali Bongo’s controversial electoral history. When democracy feels compromised, combined with unresolved health and legacy issues from previous leaders, it ignites tensions. The military has claimed intervention was necessary due to the flawed electoral process and the lack of a transparent voting system.

**Interviewer:** It seems that the struggle for democracy in Africa is becoming increasingly complex. How do you see the broader implications for governance across the continent?

**Akinterinwa:** Africa is at a crossroads. Increasingly, democracy is perceived as a burden rather than a benefit, with many leaders manipulating democratic principles for personal gain. The rise of “sit-tight” presidents undermines true governance. Interestingly, Western democracies grapple with similar issues, as we’ve seen with former President Trump’s questionable actions during the January 6 Capitol riots.

**Interviewer:** You’ve referenced the tensions with white South Africans as they seek autonomy. What implications does this have for African unity?

**Akinterinwa:** This issue is multifaceted. While some argue for the recognition of white South African aspirations based on historical claims, it raises significant questions about identity and ownership in South Africa. The African Union and Nigeria face tough challenges in determining how to respond while maintaining solidarity with Black South Africans who fought against apartheid.

**Interviewer:** That’s a critical balance to strike. Looking ahead, how might international powers affect this situation?

**Akinterinwa:** Given the historical ties, one cannot ignore that white South Africans might attract support from nations like France, the UK, or even Russia. This geopolitical dynamic complicates any move toward autonomy that might lead to further divisions within South Africa itself, essentially mirroring broader patterns of foreign influence across the continent.

**Interviewer:** Finally, what steps do you believe are essential for African nations to navigate these challenges?

**Akinterinwa:** First, promoting good governance is crucial. Ensuring loyalty among presidential guards can mitigate coup risks. Beyond that, African nations should redefine democratic principles to reflect their realities, engage in citizen diplomacy, and resist external military influences. This shift needs to come alongside a concerted effort to address the legacies of colonialism and develop a unified African identity that resonates with all communities.

**Interviewer:** Thank you, Bola, for sharing your insights. Your perspective sheds light on the root causes of these governance issues and the complexities of African unity in today’s geopolitical landscape.