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West Africa Democracy Fund launches, gets whopping $20m as support

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West Africa Democracy Fund launches in Abuja, October 8, 2024

The West Africa Democracy Fund (WADF) has officially launched on Monday, October 7, 2024, with a significant $20 million backing, from the Ford Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, Luminate, and the Open Society Foundation.

The aim of the fund is to boost and strengthen democracy in the West Africa region.

According to the Arise News reporter, the fund aims to support the West African states, facing democratic challenges and boost citizen engagement in democratic and political transitions.

The initiative seeks to strengthen democratic governance, institutions, and processes in the region.

Speaking at the event on Monday in Abuja, the Vice President, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Dr. Aliyu Moddibo, admitted that President Bola Tinubu, faced significant challenges during the military takeover in Niger.

Moddibo said: “Shettima wants me to draw your attention to the worrying trend of military interventions in some West African nations, and the efforts of the ECOWAS to address the challenges, and foster democracy in the region.”

“The VP also wants me to remind us that, despite concerns about democratic setbacks, particularly in West Africa, the recent successful elections in Liberia, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Senegal, Nigeria, and South Africa, have given a hope for the region’s democratic progress.”

“We are aware that our elections, like all others, have their flaws. Still, we are striving to make them reflect our people’s true desires and needs.”

“We believe that all elections should uphold fundamental standards of transparency, and through ongoing
democratic practice, these standards will continue to improve.”

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The Commissioner of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, ECOWAS, Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah, noted:

“The fund’s launch is timely, as ECOWAS leaders have renewed their pledge to strengthen regional progress, addressing pressing concerns, like democratic erosion and terrorism’s growing influence.”

Musah, represented by Mr. Ebenezer Asiedo, said “the ECOWAS Commission applauds the WADF launch, which aims to address the West Africa’s democratic setbacks.”

He noted that West Africa, requires collective efforts from key stakeholders, and democratic forces to come together and build enduring democratic processes and lasting peace.

The Commissioner emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating the region’s recent achievements, particularly in consolidating democracy through successful and peaceful elections, as well as smooth transfer of power.

The Ambassador, said ECOWAS Heads of State and Government have mandated the Commission to revise the 2001 Supplementary Protocol, enhancing democratic principles, good governance, and accountability.

The move is said to prioritize citizens’ rights and the rule of law, ensuring lasting peace and stability in West Africa.

According to Musah, significant progress has been made in the review process, with compromises and consensus reached on previously contentious elements.

The goal is to finalize the review by the end of the year.

In addition, ECOWAS plans to convene a special summit in 2025, to explore the future of regional integration, including an assessment of democratic governance in West Africa, against the emerging security challenges in the region.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, represented by Amb. Sefiu Olaniyan, lamented that democratic institution in the region, was weak to question the actions of the strong leaders.

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Speaking at the event, the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun, said:

“Democracy’s imperfect execution has eroded citizen trust, fueling disengagement, and occasionally, backing for authoritarian government.”

The VC emphasized that this has caused a gap between the quest for democracy, and the supply of accountable governance.

He said, that “the establishment of the WADF is a great response to these emerging challenges.

The President of Ford Foundation, Mr. Darren Walker, said ” research has revealed a strong connection between the decline of democracy in West Africa, and increasing inequality, emphasizing the need to tackle these issues concurrently.

Darren said, “Ford Foundation, believes in the collective vision of West Africans, which mirrors American ideals: living in peace, governed by law, prospering together, accessing education, and securing a dignified life.

“The Foundation’s work is centered on serving West Africans and advancing the pursuit of regional and global justice.”

Also, the Managing Director of Programs at the Open Society Foundations, Brian Kagoro, said the fight for democracy in West Africa is more than just politics.

He said, it is about reclaiming the region’s autonomy and self-determination.

Kagoro, stressed that democracy must be free from imperial and neo-colonial forces, allowing West Africans to build a more just and peaceful society.


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