The African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) recently hosted its 3rd Annual Citizens' Forum, an event that brought together voices from across the continent to discuss "Democracy and Institutional Resilience." Held from July 18-19, 2024, in Accra, this gathering was a cornerstone of the #ECOSOCC20 celebrations, commemorating two decades of ECOSOCC's advocacy for civil society in Africa.
A Platform for Dialogue and Progress
The forum has grown from its humble beginnings in Lusaka in 2022 into a key event for civil society engagement. Originally focused on addressing Unconstitutional Changes of Government (UCG) in Africa, the forum has expanded to become a vital platform where stakeholders can discuss and shape governance issues. This year, the forum emphasized the importance of strengthening democratic institutions and enhancing the resilience of governance systems on the continent.
Inspiring Addresses from Key Leaders
H.E. Moussa Mara, former Prime Minister of Mali, opened the forum with an inspiring vision for Africa's future. He emphasized the need for resilient communities built on diversity and mutual respect. "As we reflect on ECOSOCC's two decades of service, we are reminded of the importance of effective governance frameworks in building a prosperous and peaceful Africa," Mara stated. His remarks underscored the value of learning from past experiences to forge a path forward that includes every stakeholder.
In his speech, Mr. Khalid Boudali, Presiding Officer of ECOSOCC, emphasized the role of civil society in reinforcing democracy. "Today's gathering is a testament to our collective commitment to uphold democracy," Boudali said. Boudali highlighted the essential role of NGOs, civil society organizations, and the diaspora in shaping policies and decisions that influence Africa's future.
Mr. William Carew, Head of the ECOSOCC Secretariat, spoke about the deeper values that underpin democratic institutions. "Democracy is not merely about structures; it's about the principles and ethics that give life to those institutions," Carew noted. He urged participants to consider the evolving nature of democracy and the importance of inclusivity and transparency.
Ms. Souad Aden-Osman, Executive Director for the Coalition for Dialogue on Africa, discussed the challenges of institutional resilience and the necessity of financial resources. She pointed out that without adequate funding and support; efforts to innovate and produce quality outputs are significantly hindered.
Mr. Oliver Röpke, President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), highlighted the shared democratic values between Africa and Europe. "Democracy is fundamental to civil society engagement, and both our continents face similar challenges," Röpke said, expressing eagerness to continue the partnership with ECOSOCC.
Building a Strategic Roadmap
The discussions at the forum led to the creation of a comprehensive outcome document, outlining strategies for enhancing democratic governance and institutional resilience across Africa. This document aims to foster stronger democratic practices, create frameworks for institutional resilience, restore trust in governance, combat illicit financial flows, and promote innovations in digital governance.
This 3rd Annual Citizens' Forum was a celebration of Africa's democratic journey and a reaffirmation of ECOSOCC's commitment to promoting inclusive and transparent governance. The insights and strategies developed during this forum are set to play a pivotal role in shaping Africa's democratic future.
This year's Citizen Forum featured side exhibitions and events, providing opportunities for networking and showcasing the achievements of ECOSOCC over the past two decades. The #ECOSOCC20 celebrations also included a gala dinner on July 17th, which featured an awards ceremony recognizing the contributions of various organizations and individuals to ECOSOCC's mission. Distinguished guests, including H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and Barrister Akere Muna, Presiding Officer of the ECOSOCC First Permanent General Assembly, were in attendance.
