The African Union Economic Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) recently hosted its 3rd Annual Citizens’ Forum in Accra, putting a spotlight on the challenges and opportunities in building democratic resilience across Africa.
This year’s forum, themed “Democracy and Institutional Resilience,” was a milestone event that not only commemorated 20 years of ECOSOCC’s engagement with African citizens but also underscored the evolving role of civil society in shaping governance across the continent.
Former Prime Minister of Mali, His Excellency Moussa Mara, who led the opening of the forum, framed the discussion by focusing on the importance of resilient governance frameworks. “Effective governance is the foundation upon which Africa can build communities that thrive on diversity, mutual respect, and social cohesion,” Mara stated, setting the tone for the forum’s deliberations on the broader impacts of democratic governance on economic stability and sustainable development.
The forum highlighted the pivotal role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in driving democratic reforms and fostering trust between institutions and the people they serve. ECOSOCC’s Presiding Officer, Khalid Boudali, captured this sentiment, saying, “Our shared pursuit of liberty, justice, and equality is what binds us as representatives of civil society, NGOs, and the diaspora. This forum is a testament to our collective commitment to democracy.”
Beyond the discussions on governance, the forum delved into the practicalities of strengthening institutional resilience in Africa, particularly in the face of challenges such as illicit financial flows (IFFs) and the need for digital governance innovations. William Carew, Head of the ECOSOCC Secretariat, emphasized the importance of not only creating strong institutions but also ensuring that these institutions are informed by a democratic spirit. “Democracy is not just about structures; it’s about the ethos that drives those structures,” Carew remarked.
The financial sustainability of civil society initiatives was also a key topic, with Souad Aden-Osman, Executive Director of the Coalition for Dialogue on Africa, stressing the need for robust financial support to avoid inefficiencies that can hamper progress. “Without the necessary tools and financial backing, we risk falling short in our efforts to produce meaningful outcomes,” she warned.
The forum’s international dimension was highlighted by the participation of Oliver Röpke, President of the European Economic and Social Committee, who drew parallels between the challenges facing civil society in Europe and Africa. He underscored the importance of democracy as the bedrock of civil society engagement, noting that “both continents face similar issues, making this dialogue crucial for mutual learning and cooperation.”
Since its inception in Lusaka in 2022, the Citizens’ Forum has grown into a cornerstone event for ECOSOCC, facilitating deep engagement between civil society, stakeholders, and citizens on key governance issues. This year’s forum produced a strategic roadmap aimed at advancing democratic governance and institutional resilience across Africa, reaffirming ECOSOCC’s role as a vital bridge between the African Union and the people of Africa.
In addition to the main sessions, the forum featured side events and exhibitions that provided platforms for networking and showcased the diverse contributions of stakeholders to ECOSOCC’s mission. These activities further reinforced the forum’s role in bringing together a wide array of voices in the ongoing dialogue on Africa’s democratic future.
Source: Clement Akoloh||africanewsradio.com
