This edition of the programme takes a look at the declining values of democracy in West Africa. This decline has been characterized by a resurgence of authoritarian regimes, a rise in violent extremism, pervasive corruption, alarming human rights abuses by security forces, discrimination against minorities, restrictions on press freedom and free speech, and a complete failure to share economic prosperity equitably.
With the military takeover in Niger, West Africa is now the scene of constant undemocratic overthrows including several military coups in the last three years and failed attempts in Guinea Bissau and The Gambia.
Our panelists are Marie Josiane Ngah, Project Coordinator for francophone West Africa at West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network, WADEMOS and Professor Gorgui Dieng, head of the Laboratory of African and Postcolonial Studies at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar.