Retour aux actualités
AfricTivistes Champion of Governance and DemocracyNews

AfricTivistes launches the “AfricTivistes Champion of Governance and Democracy” initiative to strengthen democracy and good governance

23 octobre 2025

Partager

At a time when democratic gains are under threat in several African countries, AfricTivistes has launched the “AfricTivistes Champions of Governance and Democracy” initiative with a selection committee workshop. This award aims to strengthen democracy, the rule of law and human rights in Africa through the promotion and defence of the fundamental principles of the ACDEG (African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance). 

On 23 and 24 January, the selection committee for the AfricTivistes Champion of Governance and Democracy met as part of its work to shortlist the nominees ahead of the final selection and the announcement of the AfricTivistes Champion of Governance and Democracy in July.  

The AfricTivistes Champion of Governance and Democracy award aims to recognise a figure in political and public life, or another organisation, that has had a substantial impact on the processes of democratisation and good governance in their country over a given period. AfricTivistes thereby aims to contribute to advocacy and awareness-raising efforts designed to promote democratic values. 

This initiative is being carried out as part of AfricTivistes’ The Charter Project Africa, which supports the implementation of the CADEG and helps ensure local ownership of that implementation. 

Indeed, since the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (CADEG) came into force in 2012, members of the African Union (AU) have continued to face challenges regarding its effective implementation and adoption. In addition to this, a deep-seated crisis is affecting several countries across the continent. Between August 2020 and August 2023, seven countries experienced military coups, whilst others underwent unconstitutional changes of power. 

Civil society and the people as the driving force

The AfricTivistes Champion of Governance and Democracy initiative is led by African civil society actors and organisations through a selection committee comprising African experts and members of civil society.  

To encourage public participation, this committee has established a mechanism based on inclusive and transparent criteria, in line with CADEG’s values and principles. Its members are: 

  • Marie Josiane Ngah, Deputy Director and Francophone Coordinator at WADEMOS, 
  • Luther Yameogo, Senior Advocacy Officer, Civil Society and Community Engagement Division at the AfDB, 
  • Fatou Jagne, fondatrice et directrice, Center for Women Rights and Leadership, 
  • Paschal Chem, Communications Co-ordinator at the AU’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, 
  • Ibrahima Kane, Head of the African Union Programme, Open Society Foundation, 
  • Prof. Ndioro Ndiaye, President of the Alliance for Migration, Leadership and Development (AMLD), Coordinator of the Francophone Network for Gender Equality (RF-EFH), 
  • Latyr Tine, Senior Programme Officer, Gorée Institute
  • Aminata Diallo, Humanitarian Projects Coordinator 

From February to June, voting takes place through a fair selection process involving both civil society and the public, ahead of the announcement of the AfricTivistes Champion of Governance and Democracy, which will take place in June in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

For further information, please email: info@africtivistes.org

Articles similaires