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Democracy Improving in Nigeria, Africa despite challenges – Report
Democracy Improving in Nigeria, Africa despite challenges – Report
By: Michael Mike
The Global State of Democracy (GSoD) 2023 Report has revealed that democracy is improving in Nigeria and other African countries despite major challenges.
The report noted that countries in Africa like The Gambia and Zambia have shown that democratic consolidation is also gaining ground despite waves of unrest and military coups across the continent, especially the Sahel region.
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance International (IDEA), Africa and West Asia Regional Office; in partnership with the Embassy of Switzerland, presented the 2023 edition of the Global State of Democracy (GSoD) Report, titled “The New Checks and Balances.” on February 8, 2024, in Addis Ababa.
According to the press statement on Thursday by the Communications Officer, International IDEA Africa and West Asia Regional Office, Mr. Sami Ahmed, key report highlights show political participation is emerging as a regional strength, with nine African countries ranking among the top 50 globally in levels of Participation.
The statement with the theme: “Emerging Strengths and Challenges: Exploring Africa’s Democratic Landscape and Institutional Transformations”, stressed that experiences in countries like Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone have shown that popular movements can play a vital role as countervailing institutions when other institutions have been unable to constrain governments.
The launching of the report in Ethiopia drew participation from an array of stakeholders, including International IDEA member states, the African Union, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), United Nations agencies, diplomatic representatives, civil society organizations, research institutions, think tanks, academic bodies, election management bodies, and government officials.
International IDEA’s annual Global State of Democracy Report provides an overview of the global and regional trends related to democracy and human rights, complemented by case studies as well as a set of actionable recommendations for policy makers, governments and civil society.
“The challenges are huge in Africa and what we have seen in the Sahel over the last few years highlights the risks to democracy in the continent,” said Roba Sharamo, Regional Director Africa and West Asia Office at International IDEA. “But there are also green shoots across the region, most notably the strengthening role of civic groups and popular political movements.
The report also shows that formal countervailing institutions have a mixed record. Co-opted and weak legislatures have contrasted with judiciaries and fourth-branch institutions that have demonstrated that they can be effective checks on executive power.
The role of the African Union and the Regional Economic Communities in establishing and upholding democratic norms in Africa is underscored in the report. However, inadequate compliance by member states (including on matters as serious as reinstating a head of state or making a swift transition back to civilian rule) has shown that there is no substitute for effective democratic institutions at the domestic level.
Democracy Improving in Nigeria, Africa despite challenges – Report
News
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack Plateau community in reprisal over livestock incident
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack Plateau community in reprisal over livestock incident
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits have killed one person and injured three others in an attack on Shonong community in Bachi District, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, in a sustained reprisal attack linked to an earlier livestock-related incident.
Security sources said the attack occurred at about 8:40 p.m. on April 19 when the armed men invaded the community and opened fire on residents.
The sources said the assault was believed to be in retaliation over the killing of nine livestock in the area, an incident that had heightened tensions between farming and herding communities in the locality.

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) deployed in the area reportedly came under fire while responding to the attack and engaged the assailants in a gun duel, forcing them to withdraw after a heavy exchange of fire.
Reinforcement teams were later deployed and moved into the community to stabilise the situation and restore order.
According to the sources, the attackers killed a woman identified as Mrs Fibi Solomon, while three others — Mr Solomon, Master Jacob Solomon and Miss Jacobeth Solomon — sustained gunshot wounds.
The injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital in Riyom for treatment, alongside the remains of the deceased.

Troops also rescued 12 civilians comprising three men, six women and three children, who were relocated to nearby Fang village for safety.
Security sources added that troops had intensified pursuit operations to track down the fleeing attackers, while the general area remained calm but tense.
One killed, three injured as gunmen attack Plateau community in reprisal over livestock incident
News
Yobe: Baba Malam Wali paid condolences to Senator Mustapha
Yobe: Baba Malam Wali paid condolences to Senator Mustapha
By: Yahqya Wakili
The immediate past secretary to the Yobe State Government, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali mni, today paid a condolence visit to Senator Musa Mustapha, senator representing Yobe East in the National Assembly, following the death of his mother-in-law, the late Hajiya Fatima Mustapha Jibrin.
This was contained in a statement issued and signed by his press secretary, Alhaji Shuaibu Abdullahi, made available to newsmen in Damaturu, the state capital.
During the visit, the former secretary to the state government, Baba Malam Wali mni, offered prayers for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul.
He urged the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with fortitude, noting that death is inevitable and a path that every mortal must take.
Hajiya Fatima Mustapha Jibrin passed away yesterday, Thursday, 16th April 2026, in Damaturu, the Yobe state capital. She was buried the same day in accordance with Islamic injunction.
Baba Malam Wali further prayed to Almighty Allah SWT to forgive the shortcomings of the late Hajiya Fatima, have mercy on her, and grant her Al-Jannatul Fiddausi as her final abode.
Yobe: Baba Malam Wali paid condolences to Senator Mustapha
News
Troops Foil ISWAP Attack Attempt in Guzamala
Troops Foil ISWAP Attack Attempt in Guzamala
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3 Area of Responsibility have foiled an attempted attack by suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 1329hrs on April 19, when the terrorists attempted to infiltrate the base through Charlie/Delta Company axis.
The attackers, operating with two gun trucks, were sighted advancing toward the entrance gate of Mairari town along the Gajiram axis.
Troops immediately engaged the advancing terrorists, forcing them to abandon their mission and retreat.
Following the encounter, troops dominated the general area with patrols, while air support was also deployed and hovered over the vicinity. However, no further terrorist presence was observed after the exchange.
Security sources said exploitation and clearance operations are ongoing to prevent regrouping and to secure surrounding communities.
Troops Foil ISWAP Attack Attempt in Guzamala
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