Citizens’ Hour

This edition of the programme is special as we turn the spotlight on a regional giant that’s marking half a century of existence — ECOWAS, the Economic Community of West African States. Formed in 1975 with a bold vision of…

Despite the ongoing fight for gender parity and encouraging civic participation in national discourse, the participation in women voters in various elections across the subregion remain marginalized, although they constitute the larger population. In West Africa and beyond, the power…

This debate explores the critical role that Generation Z—the world’s youngest, most connected, and most diverse generation—can play in redefining and safeguarding democracy. In an era of digital transformation, rising authoritarianism, and shifting civic values, Gen Z is emerging not…

In this edition of Citizens’ Hour, our concern has been drawn to the recent and growing propaganda efforts do more than boost the image of coup leaders—they are reshaping public opinion about democracy itself. In many of these countries, citizens…

On the program today we will be looking at the State of democracy in the subregion with special attention on major development making the headlines and leading conversations in three main countries, first, a protest by the Gambian youths demanding…

Young people, the continent’s greatest asset, have recently revived their position in national discourse, from representatives to active leaders, probing the relevant questions, and seeking accountability for influencing positive change. From leading grassroots campaigns to using digital platforms to demand…

Strong institutions are vital for effective governance and the stability of democracy. They provide efficient framework for rule-making, decision-making, and the enforcement of laws, contributing to predictability and trust in government. Institutions like the judiciary, Anti-corruption bodies, regional bodies, national…

As West Africa continues to navigate a wave of democratic uncertainty, the spotlight now turns to Côte d’Ivoire and Benin — two countries preparing for crucial elections. With past experiences of political tension, disputed results, and even post-election violence, the…

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have long played a critical role in strengthening democratic governance across Africa. As watchdogs, advocates, mobilizers, and service providers, these groups often fill the gaps left by government institutions, holding leaders accountable and amplifying the voices…

In this edition of the programme, our focus was on two issues. First, our guest Ibrahima Kane, legal and governance expert, unbundles all about the adopted interpretative Amnesty law in Senegal. Also, we will be speaking with Civil society actors…

The media plays a crucial role in strengthening democracy in West Africa by promoting transparency, accountability, and civic engagement. As the “fourth estate,” the media serves as a watchdog, exposing corruption, human rights abuses, and governance failures while holding leaders…