Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has inaugurated the Regional Partnership for Democracy, an initiative aimed at deepening democratic process in Africa.
Speaking during the launch, the minister traced the recent unconstitutional change of government in some African states to the structural weaknesses.
He regretted that democracy is gradually sliding and the situation is affecting the 2063 target of silencing the gun in Africa, stating that the Regional Partnership of Democracy (RPD), which is the brainchild of President Bola Tinubu remains the feasible option at addressing the democratic challenges.
The minister made the comments at the official signing ceremony of the Regional Partnership of Democracy (RPD) organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in Abuja on Monday.
Tuggar said: “At the root of many of Africa’s governance challenges lies the uncritical transplantation of governance models and values that do not adequately reflect our cultural contexts, our social norms, or our historical experiences.
“This incongruity generates friction and that friction all too often manifests as democratic stagnation, institutional fragility, or, indeed, flagrant abuses of power.
“It is in direct response to these circumstances that the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD) was conceived. The RPD rests on a simple, yet powerful proposition: that democracy flourishes most sustainably when it is rooted in African values and attuned to local peculiarities, whilst drawing judiciously from global best practices.
“Such carefully calibrated synthesis is indispensable, if democracy is to enjoy genuine ownership, legitimacy, and long-term durability among our people. The variable geometry of democracy, its different forms and speeds need to be taken into account.”
He further lamented that democratic governance in Africa “is confronted by sobering and deeply complex challenges despite efforts embodied in mechanisms such as the African Union’s Peer Review Mechanism, and other numerous national reforms.
He said: “Too often, these structural weaknesses culminate in unconstitutional changes of government or protracted political instability; conditions which, in turn, fuel insecurity and violence.”
He noted that “these troubling developments stand in stark contrast to the noble aspirations of Agenda 2063, most notably the collective ambition to silence the guns on our continent.”
He said the current waves of protest is not about Africa, youth but about disconnection, citing the recent distortions in reporting, especially in the Western media, where there is manipulation of social media algorithms.
Tuggar said: “I make bold to assert that it is not an African problem, a youth problem or even a democracy problem. It is a problem of how to match expectations to capacity and delivery, further exacerbated by the rapid speed of social media”.
He explained that “RPD can help in tackling the Gordian Knot of misinformation and disinformation in our region.
On her part, the Representative of UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Atafua said: “Today’s milestone signals that Nigeria is not only shaping the regional democratic landscape, but also charting a path for Africa-led, Africa-owned transformation. The Regional Partnership for Democracy is not merely a programme. It is a compact of values.
“It is Africa-led, regionally anchored, and globally significant, grounded in our belief that the access to Africa’s darkness challenges lies within Africa itself.
“Through its four pillars, the Regional Partnership for Democracy will, first of all, strengthen democratic institutions and public accountability. Number two, broaden inclusive citizen participation, especially for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
“Number three, promote credible and transparent electoral systems. And finally, foster regional cooperation and peer learning so that democracy delivers for the people of West Africa.
“The RPD is designed to serve as a catalyst platform, transforming democratic ideals into practical tools, strengthening systems that deliver, and building confidence among citizens that darkness can be inclusive, can be predictable, and can be just.
“Across West Africa, Excellencies, we are witnessing powerful examples of democratic consolidation and leadership that inspire confidence in our shared future.
“From Liberia’s electoral conduct to Ghana’s enduring democratic stability to Senegal’s recent democratic milestones and Nigeria’s own record of successive peaceful transitions, West Africa continues to demonstrate that democracy remains alive, democracy remains resilient, and democracy remains capable of renewal.
“The Regional Partnership for Democracy builds on these gains, enhances the region’s collective courage, leadership, and experience to scale what is working, deepen institutional reforms, and accelerate a continental pathway where democracy becomes not only an aspiration, but a lived reality delivering development, peace, and opportunity.
“To realise this vision, we must build a vibrant consortium of partners within the West African region and amongst friends of West Africa to mobilise the resources and expertise needed to power implementation.
“For our part, UNDP, together with our UN family, will work with the governments, development partners, civil society, private sector, amongst others, to mobilise financing and technical expertise for this transformative agenda as we continue to catalyse an integrated and accelerated implementation process.
“We will also ensure that the implementation of this programme is grounded in global best practice, strong fiduciary standards, and the highest level of accountability.
“So, excellences, how do we move from vision to action? Let me say a few words. The signing we witnessed today is not a conclusion, but a beginning.
“A movement to build public trust, reaffirm constitutionalism, and make democracy deliver tangible benefits to our citizens. At its core, this movement is about people, citizens who vote, organise, and dream of a government that listens and serves. They are at the heart of democracy, and their participation is our greatest measure of success.
“The Regional Partnership for Democracy will be implemented not from Abuja alone, but across West African capitals, institutions, and communities, ensuring true regional ownership and shared responsibility for results.
“And now, so what is our call for collective leadership as I conclude? Our shared aspiration is a West Africa where democracy delivers peace, prosperity, and dignity, where diversity is strength and accountability is the norm.”
The representative of the president of the ECOWAS Commission, Abdel-Fatau Musah, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security said the RPD was being launched at a critical moment when democracy faces unprecedented threats.
“The social contract between the state and the citizenry is unravelling. Democracy, as practised in Africa, is notoriously thin on delivering basic infrastructure, social safety nets and security for the vulnerable.”
He stressed that unconstitutional changes of government and tenure elongation by incumbents among others undermines democratic principles.
He stressed: “These trends undermine competitiveness and deny the electorate real choices. Contract constitutional reforms, weaponization of the judiciary, and the weakness of opposition parties are among the factors driving this backsliding.”
He argued that West Africa is also caught in a shifting geopolitical environment reminiscent of the Cold War, worsened by disinformation, artificial intelligence and terrorism.
Michael Olugbode
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