In a decisive move to strengthen democratic resilience in West Africa, the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS) has taken a monumental step with its “Next Gen Initiative,” a pioneering program designed to empower a new wave of young activists dedicated to safeguarding democracy in the region. Launched in October 2023, this innovative initiative has already begun to make strides in shaping the future of democratic activism by equipping the next generation of leaders with essential skills and knowledge for advocating positive change.
The inaugural cohort of the Next Gen Initiative, consisting of 15 dynamic young leaders from across West Africa, embarked on a transformative six-month mentorship journey. This meticulously designed program kicked off with a four-week intensive online session, which laid the foundational knowledge and skills crucial for their development as champions of democracy. Following this, participants engaged in a two-month mentoring period with esteemed civil society organizations, culminating in hands-on community-based project work. These stages collectively aim to foster a deep understanding of democratic values, principles, and the practical challenges of implementing them in the complex political landscapes of West Africa.
The diverse group of participants—hailing from Ghana, Gambia, Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Niger, Togo, and Cote d’Ivoire—represents a broad spectrum of cultures, languages, and experiences, enriching the program with a wide range of perspectives. This diversity is critical in fostering a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to democratic advocacy and leadership within the sub-region.
At the closing ceremony held at the CDD-Ghana office in Accra, WADEMOS Project Director Prof. H. Akwasi Prempeh underscored the network’s commitment to youth empowerment, emphasizing the importance of nurturing a generation capable of defending and promoting democracy. Prof. Prempeh’s message highlighted the essence of WADEMOS’s mission: to cultivate solidarity and understanding among young leaders from diverse backgrounds, with the ultimate goal of building a unified and democratic West African community.
Echoing this sentiment, renowned democracy scholar Prof. Larry Diamond addressed the young leaders, urging them to be vigilant and outspoken against abuses of power and anti-democratic tendencies. Prof. Diamond’s remarks pointed to the critical role of civil society in maintaining democratic integrity, especially in times of governance failures.
Paul Osei-Kuffour, the WADEMOS Network Coordinator, shed light on the alarming decline in democracy across the region, stressing the urgency of grooming a new generation of leaders to navigate and overcome these challenges. The Next Gen Initiative, according to Osei-Kuffour, is a testament to WADEMOS’s dedication to developing leaders with impeccable leadership skills, a commitment to development, and a passion for fostering inclusivity, diversity, and balanced leadership on the continent.
The selection process for the Next Gen Initiative was rigorous, with over 150 applicants vying for a spot in this prestigious program. The 15 selected participants not only gained invaluable knowledge and experience but also received certificates recognizing their contributions and commitment to promoting democracy in West Africa. As they move forward, these young leaders will focus on implementing community-based projects, supported and guided by the WADEMOS Network, to apply their learning in real-world scenarios and make tangible impacts in their communities.
WADEMOS stands as a beacon of hope for democracy in West Africa, offering a non-partisan, civil society-led platform for solidarity and action. With over 30 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from 15 countries in the region, WADEMOS is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of democratic governance in West Africa. Through initiatives like the Next Gen Initiative, WADEMOS is not only addressing the immediate challenges facing democracy but is also laying the groundwork for a more resilient, inclusive, and democratic future.
Source: Graphic Online
