One coalition of 25 African and diaspora faith leaders, academics and civic thinkers don call on African governments to suspend any move to introduce more criminal legislation concerning sexual orientation and gender identity, and dem dey urge for more public dialogue on the matter.

The group make this call recently during the virtual launch of the African Democratic Covenant, na coalition wey dey advocate for wetin e describe as African-led approach to democracy, constitutionalism, human dignity and social justice.

The Covenant urge African presidents to put moratorium on proposed legislation wey go impose additional criminal penalties, arguing say governments suppose instead provide room for public education, constitutional dialogue and broader consultation.

Speaking at the virtual event, Bishop Joseph W. Tolton, the Lead Executive of Interconnected Justice, talk say the initiative no be attempt by Africans in diaspora to "help" the continent, but na call for Africans at home and abroad to work together to shape Africa future.

Rev. Canon Mpho Tutu van Furth call for inclusion and protection of all members of African communities, and urge say make dem re-examine African history and traditional understandings of gender and social diversity.

Prof. Sylvia Tamale question the argument say legislation wey majority support necessarily just, and cite historical examples of apartheid and segregation.

She call for more attention to indigenous African histories, political and economic factors wey dey influence current debates on gender and sexuality.

Emerita Prof. Akosua Adomako Ampofo urge journalists to avoid sensational reporting on the issue and instead examine the political arguments and implications of proposed legislation.

Florence Nyaoke of Kenya talk say political and religious leaders sometimes dey get incomplete information about proposed laws, situation wey she talk say fit deepen polarisation and limit public discussion.

The coalition talk say their broader African Reconstruction agenda go focus on economic sovereignty, spiritual self-determination, constitutional pluralism and human dignity.

Dem also announce plans for a Desmond Tutu Conference, wey dem describe as Black Global Freedom Gathering, where African and diaspora leaders dey expected to discuss democracy, economic inequality, resource extraction and social justice.

The organisers talk say the broader campaign aim to encourage debate on whether African democratic development and national sovereignty fit advance while laws dey exclude or criminalize particular groups.