African Union (AU) High Representative for the Silencing of Guns, Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, has criticized the absence of accountability for certain violence-related fatalities observed during the 2020 general elections, deeming it disgraceful.

Addressing attendees at the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, in Accra, Dr. Chambas underscored the imperative for governments and stakeholders to guarantee elections free from incidents across the sub-region.

He urged Ghana's election management body to strive towards ensuring that the forthcoming general election in December proceeds without any incidents.

“We are hoping that there will be maximum peace than in the last election; 8 persons were lost. It’s a shame that accountability has not been brought to bear on that incident where those persons were lost. That is something we should avoid at all costs,” he stated.

Dr. Chukuemeka Eze, the Executive Director of WANEP, emphasized that the anniversary commemoration acts as a forum to honor and acknowledge the organization's efforts in advancing peace in West Africa. He also affirmed the organization's commitment to continuing its work towards peace-building initiatives.

“We are also using the opportunity through our Annual Participatory Review and Analysis Process to review our operations. In doing that, to also reflect on key issues in West Africa,” he stated.

Key stakeholders present at the event included Senior Adviser at the United Nations Department of Political and Peace Building Affairs, Emmanuel Bombande, and officials of the Boundary Commission, among others.