Unite Against Declining Public Trust, Threats to Democracy, West African Region Urged
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has emphasized the need for a collective regional response to address the pressing issues of declining public trust, fragile institutions, and rising threats to constitutional rule in West Africa.
The minister made this call at a high-level stakeholders roundtable on the Regional Partnership for Democracy, held at the United House in Abuja on Tuesday.
The roundtable brought together representatives from West African member states, as well as key stakeholders from Nigeria’s legislative arm, including the chairpersons of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Foreign Affairs.
The gathering underscored the significance of the engagement and the urgent need for regional cooperation to address the challenges facing democracy in the sub-region.
Ambassador Tuggar described the event as a pivotal moment for the future of democracy in West Africa, stressing that the region’s stability and prosperity depend on the ability of its institutions to deliver on the promises of democracy.
He noted that the declining public trust in institutions, coupled with the rising threats to constitutional rule, pose a significant threat to the region’s democratic progress.
The minister emphasized that the Regional Partnership for Democracy provides a platform for West African countries to work together to address these challenges and promote democratic values.
He called on member states to reaffirm their commitment to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law, and to work collectively to strengthen institutions and promote public trust.
The roundtable discussion focused on key areas of concern, including the need to enhance the capacity of regional institutions to respond to democratic challenges, promote citizen participation and engagement, and support the development of robust and independent democratic institutions.
Participants also explored ways to address the root causes of instability and promote economic development, as well as the role of civil society and the media in promoting democratic accountability.
The meeting was seen as a crucial step towards promoting regional cooperation and coordination on democracy and governance issues.
It is expected that the outcomes of the roundtable will inform the development of a regional strategy to address the challenges facing democracy in West Africa and promote a more stable and prosperous future for the region.
In his closing remarks, Ambassador Tuggar reiterated the importance of collective action and regional solidarity in promoting democracy and addressing the challenges facing the region.
He expressed his commitment to working with regional partners to promote democratic values and principles, and to supporting the development of robust and effective institutions that can deliver on the promises of democracy.
