The ECOWAS Permanent Observer to the United Nations, Ambassador Kinza Jawara-Njai, recently delivered a keynote address at the University of Massachussetts-Boston’s 6th Africa Day and 2024 Academic Conference. The theme of the event was "Democratic Backsliding in West Africa: Contradictions, Challenges, and Difference."
In her speech, Ambassador Jawara-Njai focused on the topic of "Why West African Democracy is on the Right Path despite Challenges." She highlighted the efforts of ECOWAS in promoting democracy, good governance, and development in West Africa, emphasizing the region's progress despite facing challenges.
Ambassador Jawara-Njai acknowledged the recent democratic setbacks in some West African countries due to coup d’états and unconstitutional changes of government. However, she pointed out that liberal democracy continues to thrive in the region, citing successful election outcomes in countries such as Ghana, Gambia, Benin, Nigeria, Cape Verde, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Senegal.
She noted that the recent electoral successes in Senegal are indicative of a maturing democratic culture in West Africa, with the will of citizens and strong institutions playing crucial roles in ensuring democratic change and offering hope for the future.
The event also featured presentations of topical research papers on democracy and development in West Africa, with distinguished scholars sharing their insights. Other keynote speakers included Ms. Oge Onubogu from the Woodrow Wilson International Center in Washington D.C. and Mr. Gilles O. Yabi, Founder and CEO of WATHI in Senegal.
In recognition of ECOWAS's support and contribution to the event, the University of Massachussetts-Boston named its 2024 Africa Scholars Forum Democracy Award in honor of ECOWAS and the African Union. Additionally, the university presented "The 2024 Africa Scholars Forum ECOWAS-Africa Union Democracy Students Award" to two final year doctoral candidates in the Global Governance and Human Security Programme for their research on democracy, human rights, and justice in Africa.
The scholarly exchange provided ECOWAS with the opportunity to showcase its democratization efforts in the region and highlight the positive strides and promise of democratic consolidation in West Africa.
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