The first-ever Sahel Governance Forum took place last Wednesday, at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in The Gambia. The event brought together more than two hundred high-level guests, including current and previous African presidents, members from civil society, and development partners.
This two-day forum was hosted by the Government of The Gambia in collaboration with the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), and the Office of the Special Coordinator for Development in the Sahel (OSCDS). The forum was centered around the topic of “The Future of Governance: (Re)building Social Cohesion and Public Trust.”
The event was officially launched by President Adama Barrow, who referred to it as a timely initiative to improve inclusive and responsive governance in the Sahel region. According to what he said, “The Gambia is proud to host this important forum and ensure that the benefits of sustainable peace and development are within reach for all Sahelians.”
Former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, former President Joyce Banda of Malawi, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, and other former leaders from Niger, Kenya, Burkina Faso, and Mali are among the distinguished individuals who were participating in this event. High-ranking officials from the United Nations, including Ahunna Eziakonwa, the Regional Director for Africa for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and Abdoulaye Mar Dieye, the Special Coordinator for Development in the Sahel, are also present.
The official introduction of the flagship report “The Future of Governance in the Sahel,” which was prepared via extensive consultations among the 10 nations that make up the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS), was a significant feature of the event. Rebuilding trust, strengthening justice systems, improving economic governance, and encouraging civic participation were some of the goals that were proposed in the report, which comes with a citizen-informed roadmap.
Goodluck Jonathan, who stressed the need for governance that is equal and inclusive, stated that “this forum could not come at a more urgent time.” These words were spoken by Jonathan.
Even though it is home to more than 350 million people, the Sahel region continues to struggle with a number of significant difficulties, such as political instability, insecurity, and poor institutions. By shifting the focus away from crisis reaction and toward long-term investment in accountable leadership and legitimate government, the forum hopes to accomplish its goal.
During the course of the key debates, topics such as leadership during transitions, engagement of women and youth, regional cooperation, justice and security, and digital innovation for governance were discussed.
Following the conclusion of the event, it was anticipated that a shared governance action plan will be developed, which will outline key recommendations and follow-up processes.
