Ex-Minister Advocates African Council of Elders

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Following increasing conflicts across the African continent, former Defence
Minister, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode has advocated the establishment of
African Council of Elders comprising of ex-democratic president and leaders
of the continent.

In a statement issued in Abuja this Friday, Prince Kayode noted the recent
resolution of Senegalese face off was an indication that ex-leaders if properly
constituted into an elder’s caucus under the African Union can diffuse
conflicts long before they escalate.

``I think Africa needs a Council of Elders like the Council of Europe which co-
exists with the European Union. Leaders like former President Olusegun
Obasanjo, Ex-Ghanaian leader, John Kuffor and others can play important
role if they are structured into a standing caucus with the mandate for peace
and conflict resolution on the African continent.

``See what Chief Obasanjo did in Senegal, convincing the opposition to allow
the people of Senegal to decide rather than resorting to violence. See the
peaceful transfer of power in Mali. I think Africa can institutionalize this
mechanism with the ex-leaders in charge. We can copy this from the Council
of Europe.

``With the exit of former Algerian president, Ben Bella and the weakening of
legendary Nelson Mandela, I think time is now for the African Union to convey
the first meeting of ex-presidents on the continent and inaugurate them into
an elders` caucus. We need them to prove to the world that Africa has come
of age in handling her internal issues and conflicts. `` the ex-minister stated.

Ex-Minister Advocates African Council of Elders

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