With coups rising and millions facing food insecurity, CDD-West Africa unveils a bold strategy to protect democracy and lift communities.
The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) has launched a 2026–2030 strategic plan to tackle democratic decline, prevent conflict, and promote people-centred development across West Africa. Dr Dauda Garuba, the CDD director, said the region faces setbacks despite decades of progress, citing coups, constitutional manipulations, corruption, and growing authoritarianism in countries like Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Togo, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea-Bissau.
The plan prioritises strengthening institutions, boosting citizen participation, reducing inequality, and linking democracy with sustainable development. Highlighting the human cost, Garuba noted that over 44 million people face acute food insecurity, 9.7 million are displaced, and 14 million children suffer severe malnutrition.
Former CDD director, Prof. Jubrin Ibrahim, stressed that democracy only thrives when citizens actively defend it, warning that political elites alone cannot sustain democratic ideals. Panel discussions at the launch highlighted systemic governance failures, poor public services, and the need for empowered citizens, especially women and youth, to drive change.
Since 1997, CDD-West Africa has collaborated with ECOWAS and the African Union to advance peace, democracy, and inclusive development across the region.
Leave a comment