Africa needs more democracy. The struggle to uphold rights and freedoms must be strengthened and adapted in the face of growing threats. In 2021, three coups d’état, numerous political crises and increasing restrictions on internet access were recorded as well as violations of freedoms in several countries, including those once presented as democratically more advanced .

Over the past year, AfricTivistes has repeatedly denounced democratic violations and advocated for real democracy, participatory democracy, cyberdemocracy, e-governance and the effective anchoring of respect for the values of ethical governance and republican loyalty in our respective countries.

In this 2021-2022 annual report, we have shown that despite the ups and downs in life (democratic abuses, health crisis, restrictions on freedoms, internet blackouts, etc.), we were able to adapt, to remain both a protest and proposal force, and more importantly, to gain new momentum in the construction of a united, democratic and freedom-loving Africa. It is a dynamic carried by committed youth, resolutely active in social and political transformation who, while protesting when needed, are also very responsible in actions carried out. These efforts demonstrate once again that the demand for more democracy far exceeds the offer of the political elites in power.

This 2021-2022 report also focuses on the organisation’s contribution to the extension of open local governance through digital means. The reason being our commitment to a “bottom-up” approach by equipping communities at the local level and interacting directly with populations to propel enhanced citizenship.  Through projects and inclusive approaches, AfricTivistes exerts  on empowering, co-constructing, offering innovative solutions and bringing new citizen dynamics. In this sense, a strong advocacy for Democracy, Elections and Good Governance in Africa is the core of all the activities we rolled out and that are presented in this annual report.

In a context of political instability arising largely from pre-election or post-election periods, marked by putsches taking alarming proportions and often embraced with enthusiasm by the population, AfricTivistes is promoting the commitments contained in the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG). Through the Charter Project Africa project, AfricTivistes has recently launched a MOOC exclusively dedicated to Democracy, Elections and Governance on the continent. 

Overall, in addition to giving us a glimpse of hope, 2021 has taught us a sense of common purpose, the strength of resilience, the invaluable contribution of technology, and the advancement of science are structural answers to the issues of the day and the challenges of daily life.

The AfricTivistes 2021-2022 Annual Report is attached.

*** The english version of the report will be shared as soon as possible