In a recent conversation with some friends, I argued that two key political contentions might have been settled in Nigeria. The first is the issue of tenure extension. The failure of President Obasanjo’s third-term bid and President Goodluck Jonathan’s inability to secure what some called his third election seemed to have resolved the contentious issue...
Despite concerning evidence of democratic backsliding in the West African region, there remains a strong and growing desire among citizens for representative and accountable governance. The key to addressing this challenge lies in electing competent representatives who are both accountable and responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people, ultimately fostering societal progress and...
You’d think that with the continuous work that Yiaga Africa engages in, we’d be concentrating on what’s in front of us. Yet, we are still mulling over the Reflection Conference on Democratic Elections in West Africa. Not at all! The conference was nothing short of a game-changer! Over two days, Yiaga Africa, with support from...
Protocols I thank YIAGA Africa for inviting me to this introspection session aptly termed Reflection Conference on recent elections in West Africa I commend Mr. Samson Itodo, the executive director, and other bright young Nigerians who are behind Yiaga Africa for their commitment towards promoting democracy, good governance, and credible elections on the continent. The...
As South Africans vote in the historic National and Provincial elections on May 29, 2024, Yiaga Africa has deployed an election study mission to observe the process, following accreditation by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). This mission is part of the Yiaga Africa Transforming Electoral Governance in Africa (TEGA) initiative. TEGA aims to...
By Ana’ayi Jennifer Danbagai Recently, the world celebrated the emergence of President Faye Bassirou Diomaye, the youngest Senegalese President since its independence, on his victory. His victory demonstrates the possibility of a shift in the emergence of younger leadership in Africa, which is a deviation from the age norm of presidents across the continent. The...
*By Ana’ayi Jennifer Danbagai Democracy in the African continent has suffered major setbacks over the last few decades. The coup trends across Sahel West Africa; Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger in the last four years have not only destabilized local democracies but also burdened regional blocs with protecting democratic integrity across the continent. With...
By Chinemerem Onuorah In the last three years, Africa has witnessed a series of successful military takeovers of governments, with six countries affected, while Sudan and Sierra Leone experienced inconclusive and failed coup attempts respectively. Traditionally, coup d’etats have been viewed as unconstitutional and violent, instilling fear and apprehension among citizens of the affected nations....
By Ibrahim Faruk There is a common denominator that African citizens in 24 countries have and will have in 2023: We want to vote! The year 2023 is a very crucial one for Africa in terms of change of government via election as a total of 24 general, legislative and local elections would take place in the...
