At the High-Level Ministerial Forum on the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD), held on the margins of #AUSummit2026 in Addis Ababa, Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening democratic systems before they come under strain.
The Forum emphasized a clear principle: democracy must not only endure – it must deliver measurable outcomes that command public trust.
Launched in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the RPD serves as a preventive, regionally anchored platform focused on:
• Reinforcing constitutionalism and rule of law
• Strengthening accountability mechanisms
• Expanding inclusion, particularly for youth and women
• Promoting dialogue and institutional resilience
• Aligning governance with tangible socio-economic outcomes
The objective is to build credible institutions that function effectively, respond to citizens, and support long-term stability across the region.
The message from Addis Ababa was clear: democratic renewal is a shared enterprise, sustained through African ownership, structured partnership, and practical delivery.