Africa-Press – Gambia. The first-ever Sahel Governance Forum opened Wednesday at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in The Gambia, bringing together over 200 high-level delegates, including current and former African leaders, civil society representatives, and development partners.
Hosted by the Government of The Gambia in collaboration with the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), and the Office of the Special Coordinator for Development in the Sahel (OSCDS), the two-day forum will run from July 30 to 31 under the theme: “The Future of Governance: (Re)building Social Cohesion and Public Trust.”President Adama Barrow officially opened the event, describing it as a timely initiative to advance inclusive and responsive governance in the Sahel. “The Gambia is proud to host this important forum and ensure the benefits of sustainable peace and development are within reach for all Sahelians,” he said.
Distinguished participants include former Nigerian Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Olusegun Obasanjo, former Malawian President Joyce Banda, former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and other former leaders from Niger, Kenya, Burkina Faso, and Mali. Also in attendance are top UN officials such as Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP Regional Director for Africa, and Abdoulaye Mar Dieye, UN Special Coordinator for Development in the Sahel.
A major highlight of the forum will be the official launch of the flagship report “The Future of Governance in the Sahel”, developed through broad consultations across the 10 countries of the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS). The report proposes a citizen-informed roadmap to rebuild trust, strengthen justice systems, improve economic governance, and promote civic participation.
“This forum could not come at a more urgent time,” said Goodluck Jonathan, who emphasized the need for governance that is equitable and inclusive.
The Sahel, home to over 350 million people, continues to face serious challenges including insecurity, political instability, and weak institutions. The forum aims to shift focus from crisis response to long-term investment in accountable leadership and legitimate governance.Key discussions will explore themes such as leadership during transitions, women and youth participation, regional cooperation, justice and security, and digital innovation for governance.
The forum is expected to conclude with a joint governance action plan outlining key recommendations and follow-up mechanisms.
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