The secretary general of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL), Amb. Dapo Oyewole has emphasised that African leaders must work together to strengthen democratic governance and make it more people-oriented.
Delivering his last speech as a resident Richard von Weizsäcker Fellow at an expert forum recently organised by the Bertelsmann Foundation in Berlin, Germany, 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 will drive 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.”
Oyewole, however, lauded the developments in Namibia and Senegal, the two African countries where the political systems had enthroned women and a young male leader to preside over the affairs of these countries.
However, the CoSPAL secretary general said that beyond holding elections, job creation, security, justice, dignity, and human rights must be the defining factors 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. 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.
“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,” he said.
Oyewole added that Africa’s future lies in the hands of its leaders, who must be competent, efficient, responsive, and strategic to drive the necessary change.
“Africa’s future lies not in the hands of the West or the East; it lies in the hands of Africa and its leaders. The decisions made now will shape the decades ahead. It thus goes without saying that the continent’s future depends on it having leadership that serves, not leadership that rules; leadership based on competence and capacity, not leadership based on connections, cash or affiliations.
“Africa needs leadership that can capably address the challenges of our times while also shaping a great and achievable vision for our future. Our prospects for weathering the current geo-political climes start and end with leadership.
“As I conclude my tenure as a Richard von Weizsäcker Fellow at the Robert Bosch Academy in Berlin, this rich discussion at the Bertelsmann Stiftung offered an opportunity to reaffirm my commitment as the secretary-general of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL) to work with all our leaders, allies and partners in strengthening legislative institutions across Africa to safeguard our democratic values, uphold the rule of law, protect fundamental rights…”, Oyewole said.
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