Nigeria Launches Regional Partnership to Strengthen Democracy in Africa — Tuggar
Nigeria’s government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding democracy across Africa, calling for stronger institutions, inclusive governance, and regional cooperation to prevent democratic decline.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, made the remarks at a High-Level Ministerial Forum on the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD) held on the sidelines of the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in Addis Ababa.
Speaking before African leaders, development partners, and multilateral institutions, Tuggar warned that democracy on the continent, although widely accepted in principle, is increasingly being tested in practice.
“Democracy in Africa must do more than survive; it must command trust through delivery,” the minister said.
Democracy Under Pressure
Tuggar noted that public confidence in democratic institutions has been weakened by governance deficits, unmet socio-economic expectations, and declining institutional performance.
He stressed that threats to democratic governance are not limited to military interventions but also emerge from within democratic systems through weakened accountability, exclusionary politics, and the growing disconnect between governments and citizens.
According to him, fragile democratic environments often create opportunities for external interference and unconstitutional changes of government.
Nigeria’s Preventive Approach
The minister explained that Nigeria, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), launched the Regional Partnership for Democracy in November 2025 as a preventive initiative aimed at strengthening democratic systems before crises occur.
“The task of renewing democratic governance in our region cannot be carried out by one country alone,” Tuggar said, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility.
He described the RPD as a flexible platform designed to enhance the capacity, independence, and credibility of democratic institutions, including electoral bodies, judiciaries, legislatures, and oversight agencies.
Key Priorities for Democratic Renewal
Tuggar outlined three critical priorities for democracy to deliver meaningfully and sustainably across Africa.
First, he called for sustained efforts to build strong, professional, and independent institutions capable of carrying out their constitutional mandates without undue influence.
Second, he stressed that democracy must be linked to tangible socio-economic outcomes, including improved service delivery, job creation, social protection, and equitable development.
“Citizens must experience democracy not only at the ballot box, but also through better living conditions,” he said.
Third, the minister highlighted the importance of inclusive participation, particularly for youth and women, who remain underrepresented in governance despite constituting the majority of Africa’s population.
He urged investment in civic education, leadership development, and responsible digital engagement to counter misinformation and polarisation.
Call for Regional and Global Support
Tuggar encouraged African states, development partners, and institutions to engage with the RPD through technical support, knowledge exchange, institutional capacity-building, and predictable financing aligned with African priorities.
He also underscored the importance of coordination with Regional Economic Communities and relevant African Union organs to ensure long-term sustainability.
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment
In his closing remarks, Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s firm commitment to democratic governance, regional solidarity, and multilateral partnership.
He maintained that democracy in Africa can best be protected through prevention rather than reaction, and through solutions grounded in public trust and local ownership.
“It is by strengthening democracy before it falters that we secure its future,” the minister said.
