The Secretary-General of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL), Ambassador ’Dapo Oyewole, has emphasised that African leaders must work together to strengthen democratic governance and make it more people-oriented.
Delivering his final speech as a resident Richard von Weizsäcker Fellow at an expert forum organised by the Bertelsmann Foundation in Berlin, Germany, recently, on the topic ‘Strengthening Democracy & Good Governance in Africa in a Changing World Order’, Oyewole said African leaders must be proactive and build a virile economy that drives inclusive growth and development.
He said: “Indeed, the world order is evolving; new economic and political alliances are emerging, governance models are being tested, and nations are redefining their roles and alliances on the global stage. In this reality, Africa cannot afford to be a bystander, a puppet or merely reactive.
“We must be proactive and strategic architects of our democratic future, ensuring that governance is not just a concept but a lived experience that delivers development, justice, and inclusive opportunities for the people.”
Ambassador Oyewole, however, lauded the developments in Namibia and Senegal—two African countries where the political systems have enthroned women and a young male leader to preside over national affairs.
Beyond holding elections, the CoSPAL Secretary-General said that job creation, security, justice, dignity, and human rights must become the defining elements of improved democratic rule in Africa.
Despite our myriad challenges on the continent, we are also witnessing an exciting and transformative time in Africa. For example, two women now lead the Republic of Namibia as President and Vice President; and a young leader not from an influential political background or backed by political kingmakers was democratically elected and sworn in as the President of Senegal.
Across the continent, there is also an increasing demand by citizens for transparent, accountable, and effective leadership. Needless to say, as a continent, we have multifarious challenges, yet we must recognise and celebrate progress where we see it, like in Namibia and Senegal,” he said.
“However, the real test of democracy is not just in holding elections, it is in building democracies that are authentic and responsive in delivering jobs, security, justice, dignity, human rights and development for our people.”
Oyewole added that the future of Africa lies in the hands of its leaders, who, he said, must be competent, efficient, responsive, and strategic to drive the necessary change.
