The Ford Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, Luminate, and the Open Society Foundations have launched the $20 million West African Democracy Fund (WADF) to strengthen democracy across the region.
Aimed to support West African countries currently facing a range of democratic challenges, the fund will support activities to increase public engagement in countries’ democratic and political transitions over a three-year period. be.
Speaking at an event held on Monday in Abuja, Vice President Kassim Shettima decried the backsliding of democracy in the sub-region as a result of the military occupation.
Shettima, who was represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Dr. Aliyu Modibo, admitted that President Bola Tinubu underwent a baptism of fire during the military occupation of Niger.
Recall that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had sanctioned the country after the takeover as part of a plan to force the military to relinquish power.
However, the sanctions were lifted several months later after the country’s military government refused to withdraw them.
Quoting Vice President Shettima, Modibo said: “The Vice President would like to remind you of some of the highlights of what he has communicated regarding the military acquisition setbacks that are occurring in our sub-region, which have been reiterated here and again. It has been repeated. In some countries, efforts have also been made by the ECOWAS Commission.
“Unfortunately, one of them was when the military occupied Niger and the president of our country, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, went through what was called a baptism of fire, because he just happened to be a member of the ECOWAS Commission. has just been appointed or elected head and he is to deal with the issue.
“The Vice President also noted that amid despair over democratic reversals, particularly in West Africa, we are encouraged by the successful elections held in countries such as Liberia, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Senegal and Nigeria. and South Africa.
“However, like any election, we are not ignoring the fact that this election will not be perfect, but we are doing our best to ensure that it reflects the people’s true aspirations if possible.” is.
“We subscribe to the idea that there are basic standards of electoral transparency that must be met in every election, but that are perfected by the continued practice of democracy.”
Also, ECOWAS Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador. Abdul Fattaw Musah said the Fund comes at a time when ECOWAS authorities of heads of state and national governments are renewing their commitment to strengthening and deepening the successes recorded in the region in the face of the current situation. He said he was happy to be raised. challenges, particularly the existential characteristics posed by the resurgence of democracy and the threat of terrorism;
Mr. Moussa, who was represented by Ebenezer Asyedo, said the ECOWAS Commission therefore welcomed the launch of the Democracy Fund, which will promote inclusive governance, strengthen key institutions and strengthen social security in some countries. He said he was trying to address the challenges posed by democratic backsliding in West Africa by rethinking the contract.
He expressed the urgent and urgent need for dedicated and strategic joint efforts by key stakeholders in partnership with other democratic forces to achieve stable and durable democratic processes and lasting peace in West Africa. He pointed out that there was a need.
Mr Musah stressed that it is also important to recognize and celebrate the recent successes recorded in the region, particularly efforts to strengthen democracy through successful and peaceful elections and smooth transfer of power.
He urged the ECOWAS authorities of Heads of State and Government to advise the Commission of the 2001 Democracy Act to strengthen constitutionalism, good governance, democratic practices, accountability, respect for the rule of law and people’s rights. and to begin the process of considering the Supplementary Protocol on Good Governance. To maintain peace and stability in our region, the people.
Musah added: “This process has so far proceeded with compromises and agreements being reached on some of the elements that had previously given rise to reservations from some Member States. We hope to review them by the end of the year. We want to complete the process.
“Furthermore, ECOWAS is preparing to begin the process of convening a special summit on the future of regional integration next year. It will also include a review of the strategic dynamics in the region. ”
For the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tugar said there is a need to fund and build institutions.
Represented by Tagger, Amb. Sefiu Olaniyan lamented that the region’s democratic institutions are weak to stand up to strong leaders.
He said, “Most of the time, democratic institutions in West Africa are too weak to stand up to strong leaders. Most of the time, they ask questions. Most of the time, they don’t stand up for their people. , democracy is at a standstill.
“So for those who are raising money for democracy, you should know that it’s not a tea party. There’s a lot of work that needs to be done. These organizations need to be strong. , no matter how powerful a leader may be, he cannot change or pervert the course of justice in those institutions.”
Earlier, Vice-Chairman of the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation Board of Directors, Mr. Akin Kekeleyekun, said that despite the general preference for democracy among the people, many were disillusioned with its practices. As a result, it has been passively accepted, and democracy is no longer accepted in some areas, he said. incident, support for military intervention.
He said the Africa Pressure Survey confirmed this growing disillusionment, with 80 percent of Africans rejecting one-man rule and a majority opposed military intervention, yet there is little hope of achieving actual democratic governance. He said it was clear that he was still dissatisfied.
Kekere-Ekun stressed that this widens the gap between demands for democracy and the provision of effective and responsible leaders.
He noted that the establishment of the West African Democracy Fund was a direct response to these urgent challenges.
Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation, said research shows there is a strong link between declining democracy and rising inequality across West Africa. said that they need to be addressed at the same time.
Walker believes that fully realizing a peaceful and inclusive democracy that empowers people to build more just societies and contributes to greater prosperity and economic stability requires public engagement in the democratic process. He said it was necessary to increase participation.
Darren Walker said, “The Ford Foundation believes in the visions, aspirations, and dreams of the people of West Africa. These dreams are the same dreams we dream and walk here in America, and we live in peace.” We demand the rule of law, shared prosperity, and education, and the opportunity for all to live and earn a living with dignity.
“But, of course, for these dreams and aspirations to come true, democracy must come into being. Our job is simply to serve humbly. To serve all of you and to support West Africa Serving people and ultimately serving a greater mission: more justice for our region and more justice for the world.”
Brian Kagoro, Managing Director of Programs at the Open Society Foundations, said the fight for a more democratic West Africa is one that is free from imperial domination, neo-colonial political mortgages and external manipulation. He said it was a battle.
Adedayo Akinwale
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