Accra, Ghana – November 29, 2023 – Mrs. Florence ENIAYEHOU, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Director at RFLD, moderated a panel on assessing the effectiveness of regional normative instruments against democratic backsliding in West Africa during the WADEMOS network Annual Network Member Meeting. The panel delved into the case of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)’s Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and Conflict Prevention Frameworks.
The panel brought together a distinguished group of experts to examine the challenges and opportunities in utilizing regional normative frameworks to address democratic backsliding in West Africa. Participants engaged in a lively discussion on the need for stronger implementation mechanisms, enhanced civil society engagement, and improved coordination among regional actors to effectively combat democratic erosion.
Prof. H. Kwasi Prempeh, WADEMOS Project Director and CDD-Ghana Executive Director, highlighted the importance of context-specific analysis and tailored approaches when addressing democratic backsliding. He emphasized the need to consider the unique political, social, and economic factors that contribute to democratic decline in different West African countries.
Esther Tawiah, Executive Director, Gender Centre for Empowering Development (GenCED), underscored the critical role of civil society organizations in advocating for and monitoring the implementation of regional normative instruments. She emphasized the need for inclusive and participatory approaches that empower civil society to contribute meaningfully to democratic governance.
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Olorunfemi Arirabiyi-Ibrahim, Independent Consultant – ECOWAS, AU UN, brought his expertise to the discussion by providing insights into the challenges and opportunities for ECOWAS to effectively implement its Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. He stressed the need for stronger political will and commitment from member states to uphold democratic principles and address democratic backsliding.
Albert Damase Lamine Datta, Project Officer, Goree Institute, shared his perspectives on the role of regional institutions, such as the Goree Institute, in promoting democratic values and supporting civil society engagement in West Africa. He emphasized the importance of knowledge sharing, capacity building, and networking among stakeholders to foster a culture of democracy and good governance in the region.
The panel concluded with a call to action to strengthen regional frameworks and enhance their effectiveness in combating democratic backsliding in West Africa. Participants reiterated the need for political will, increased resources, and innovative approaches to safeguard democratic principles and promote good governance in the region.
Mrs. ENIAYEHOU, in her closing remarks, emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to address the complex challenges of democratic backsliding. She expressed her appreciation to the panelists for their insightful contributions and encouraged participants to continue working together to advance democratic governance in West Africa.
