The Association of Foreign Relations Professionals of Nigeria (AFRPN), Friday announced that its forthcoming 8th Annual Conference will focus on the rising incidence of unconstitutional changes of government in Africa and their implications for democratic consolidation, peace, and regional stability on the continent.
The Chairman and President of AFRPN, Ambassador Dr. Gani Lawal, disclosed this during a press briefing and stakeholder engagement organised by the Association ahead of the conference, scheduled to hold on Thursday, 5 February 2026 in Abuja.
The theme of conference is “The Challenge of Democratic Governance in Africa: Mega Trends and Leveraging Opportunities for Consolidation,”
Lawal said the conference is convened against the backdrop of growing democratic reversals, military takeovers, and governance challenges in parts of Africa, particularly within the Sahel region.
According to Lawal the conference will critically examine the drivers and consequences of unconstitutional changes of government, as well as Africa’s collective response to these developments.
He explained that deliberations at the conference will explore how weak institutions, insecurity, economic pressures, external influences, and governance deficits create conditions that enable unconstitutional seizures of power.
He said participants will also assess the effectiveness of existing regional and continental frameworks, including the African Union’s norms and protocols, in deterring coups and restoring constitutional order.
AFRPN also disclosed that the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, will deliver the Guest Lecture, bringing a continental perspective to ongoing efforts to address political instability and democratic backsliding.
The Chairman of the occasion will be Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Patron of the Association.
The conference is expected to attract high-level participation, including the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as Special Guest of Honour, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs as hosts, former Ministers, Ambassadors, senior government officials, heads of strategic institutions, and serving and retired members of AFRPN.
Speaking of the association, Lawal said AFRPN is a professional platform dedicated to advancing informed foreign policy discourse and strategic thinking on Nigeria’s international relations and Africa’s engagement with the global system.
He noted that the Association has consistently contributed to policy dialogue through intellectual engagement, mentorship, and research-oriented interventions on critical continental and global issues.
AFRPN stressed that Nigeria remains committed to democratic governance in Africa, firmly opposes unconstitutional changes of government, and supports regional integration and the peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and cooperation.
