On September 6, 2023, ACCORD in collaboration with the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) convened an intergenerational dialogue aimed at raising awareness about the newly released African Governance Report (AGR) for 2023. The AGR examines the trends and dynamics of Unconstitutional Changes of Government UCG in Africa from 1999 to 2022, sheds light on the root causes of this challenge, and offers potential solutions.
The discussion, which took place on X (formerly Twitter) Spaces, focused on the pressing issue of UCG in Africa, a trend that has been on the rise in recent years. The speakers delved into the underlying causes of UCG and explored the key findings and recommendations outlined in the AGR report. ACCORD’s Executive Director, Dr Vasu Gounden gave a keynote address, and was joined on the panel by several distinguished experts, including Ambassador Salah Siddig Hammad, the Head of the AGA-APSA Secretariat and Advocate Batlokoa Makong, who represented Prof. Eddy Maloka, the Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). The panel delved into the complex array of factors contributing to the escalating issue of Unconstitutional Changes of Government (UCG) in Africa. These discussions revolved around key themes extracted from the AGR 2023 report, providing a comprehensive summary of its findings.
Several youth advocates actively contributed their perspectives on the report and posed insightful questions to the panelists. Of notable concern was their emphasis on how the existing African Union sanctions regime can inadvertently affect the daily lives of ordinary Africans. Furthermore, they underscored that constitutional amendments were a pivotal factor contributing to the issue of Unconstitutional Changes of Government (UCG). The participants also put forth several recommendations, emphasizing the necessity of elevating governance to the top of the African agenda.
In light of the discussions, participants advocated for the creation of more inclusive platforms to empower the youth in voicing their opinions and concerns. This approach involves youth in the decision-making processes and considers their innovative ideas as essential components of good governance. This collaborative effort aligns with ACCORD’s strategic objectives, which aim to enhance the youth’s role in conflict prevention and mitigation, ultimately contributing to lasting peace and stability on the continent.
