The diplomatic opening for the 2023-2024 year in Togo began with a deep reflection on Monday, September 11, 2023, in Lomé. Chaired by Prof. Robert Dussey, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the meeting provided participants with an opportunity to discuss the theme of democratic transitions in Africa.
In Togo, figures from the diplomatic and consular world, politicians, academics, judicial actors, civil society members, and diplomatic personnel gathered on Monday to discuss the theme “Democratic Transitions in Africa: Between Dreams and Realities.” This public conference sparked lively debates and highlighted the challenges and opportunities on the path to democracy in Africa.
Reflections on Democratic Transitions At the heart of this meeting, former Togolese Prime Minister, Joseph Kokou Koffigoh, took the floor to analyze democratic transitions in Africa. Mr. Koffigoh, himself a key figure in the political transition in the early 1990s, shared his expertise on factors that can enable democracy as a system to last longer or shorter.
Mr. Koffigoh emphasized that coups d’état are not a viable solution to the problems facing the African continent. He highlighted that non-democratic changes often result from poor governance by elected leaders. In a world where democratic aspirations are increasingly prevalent, it has become imperative for African leaders to meet the expectations of their citizens in terms of transparent governance and respect for human rights.
Towards Better Governance in Africa The discussions led to a clear consensus: the urgency of rethinking governance in Africa to prevent coups d’état. This concern resonates favorably in a context where many African countries seek to strengthen their democratic institutions and promote political stability.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Robert Dussey, announced an upcoming meeting of great importance scheduled for October in Lomé. This meeting will address peace and security issues in Africa, highlighting Togo’s ongoing commitment to play a positive role in conflict resolution and the promotion of stability on the continent.
