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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
Bandits kill hunters’ leader in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected bandits have killed the leader of hunters in Tine Nune community, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue.
Zagazola learnt that the incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening, happened while the victim, identified as Hilenen Terzungwe, was on patrol with five others along Biriji village.
Terzungwe sustained severe machete cuts during the attack and was rushed to a medical facility in Tine Nune, where he later died while receiving treatment.
His remains have since been deposited at the General Hospital, Zaki-Biam.
Security has been strengthened in the area to forestall further attacks, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.
End
Security forces move to avert reprisal after killing of herdsman in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces have intensified patrols and peace-building efforts in Anyiatse village, Jato-Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue, following the killing of a Fulani herdsman by suspected youths of the community.
Zagazola learnt that the incident, which occurred on Tuesday night, has heightened fears of a reprisal attack by Fulani groups in the area.
Sources said the herdsman was attacked and killed in the bush, sparking tension among residents and neighbouring communities.
In response, security personnel were deployed to the area to forestall further violence, while traditional rulers and stakeholders have been engaged in dialogue to restore calm.
The measures, according to local authorities, are aimed at preventing a breakdown of law and order as investigations into the killing continue
End.
Gunmen kill five, burn houses in Mangu LGA, Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen suspected to be Fulani militias have killed five persons and burnt 10 houses in Tim village, Chakfem District of Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau.
Zagazola Makama report that the attack, which occurred on Tuesday at about 4 p.m., saw the assailants storm the community, shooting sporadically before setting thatched houses ablaze.
Local sources said the victims’ corpses had been evacuated for burial, while the injured were receiving treatment in nearby health facilities.
Community members disclosed that the assault might have been carried out in retaliation for cattle allegedly rustled in the area.
Troops of the Special Task Force (STF) were deployed to the scene and engaged the attackers in a firefight, forcing them to flee, with some believed to have sustained bullet wounds.
Residents said calm had returned to the area on Wednesday, though the village remains tense as investigations continue and efforts are being made to apprehend those behind the attack.
End
Bandits kill hunters’ leader in Benue
Security forces move to avert reprisal after killing of herdsman in Benue
Gunmen kill five, burn houses in Mangu LGA, Plateau
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