Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, the Gambia) – Former Nigerian President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, former Mali President Dioncounda Traore, and some members of the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) will arrive in Banjul on Tuesday to join over 200 political leaders, policymakers, civil society representatives, and development partners from around the world for the first-ever Sahel Governance Forum, which is scheduled for July 30-31, 2025.
The two-day conference, titled “The Future of Governance: (Re)building Social Cohesion and Public Trust,” is taking place against a backdrop of complex difficulties, intensifying political shifts, and pressing needs for governance systems that deliver for Sahel State populations.
Convened by the Government of the Republic of The Gambia, in collaboration with the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the forum arrives at a critical moment for the region.
President Adama Barrow, welcoming the initiative, said the Forum is a vital step toward redefining governance in the region. “The Gambia is proud to host this important forum and ensure the benefits of sustainable peace and development are within reach for all Sahelians,” he stated.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan emphasized the urgency of the moment, noting that citizens across the Sahel are calling for governments that are transparent, inclusive, and equitable. “This forum is about listening, action, and reimagining governance so it truly delivers for all,” he said.
The Sahel region, with a population of over 350 million — most of them young — remains one of Africa’s most dynamic yet fragile zones. Challenges such as violent extremism, unconstitutional changes of government, and weak institutions continue to undermine development and public trust.
In a statement, the UNDP underscored that the forum is not just about dialogue but about forging a “new governance compact” that places people at the center.
Ahunna Eziakonwa, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Director for Africa, said: “The Sahel is at a crossroads… We must use this forum as an opportunity to restore public trust and ensure institutions serve all, not just a few.”
A key highlight of the forum will be the official launch of a flagship report titled “The Future of Governance in the Sahel,” a collaborative effort by UNDP, the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), and the Office of the Special Coordinator for Development in the Sahel.
The report presents a bold, citizen-informed roadmap to strengthen justice systems, enhance governance, and promote meaningful civic participation across the region.
Participants will engage in high-level dialogues, intergenerational panels, and thematic sessions focused on a wide array of critical topics, such as transforming leadership and governance during transitions, advancing women and youth in decision-making roles, promoting the rule of law and community security, fostering cross-border cooperation and regionalism, and leveraging technology and demographics for smarter governance.
The Forum is expected to conclude with the adoption of a joint Governance Action Plan—a document that will capture key recommendations and outline accountability mechanisms for implementation by national, regional, and international partners.
For The Gambia, the hosting of this significant event reaffirms its growing role as a hub for peacebuilding and governance dialogue in the region. As the Sahel faces a defining moment, the forum offers a unique opportunity to shape a more inclusive, just, and resilient future.