Abuja is set to host a meeting today with leaders from across West Africa and beyond for the Regional Citizen’s Dialogue Programme (RCDP), aimed at preventing unconstitutional changes of government.
Representatives from the European Union, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), African Union, and various civil society organizations are set to participate.
The RCDP, a two-day event held at Reiz Hotel, Abuja, seeks to address growing concerns over recent military coups in West Africa. Prof. Ayo Omatayo, Director General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, emphasizes the urgency, citing threats to democracy amidst economic hardships and security crises fueled by violent extremist groups.
The initiative aligns with declarations such as the AU Accra Declaration and the Malabo Declaration, focusing on combating terrorism and unconstitutional changes of government. It also aims to support the African Governance Report 2023’s recommendations on addressing governmental instability in Africa, as highlighted by the African Peer-Review Mechanism (APRM).
Participants will collaborate to finalize a yearly implementation plan, fostering cooperation between civil society organizations and ECOWAS mechanisms. Notable attendees include representatives from AU APRM, ECOWAS Headquarters, and the Portuguese Ambassador to Nigeria, Paulo Martins dos Santos.
