ECOWAS Special Envoy on Terrorism, Ambassador Baba Kamara, has described poverty and corruption as the “silent killers” undermining Africa’s democratic growth
In a powerful address at the 2025 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) Democracy Dialogue in Accra, ECOWAS Special Envoy on Terrorism, Ambassador Baba Kamara, sounded a stark warning about the threats facing democracy in Africa. Speaking through a representative, Kamara identified poverty and corruption as the “silent killers” eating away at the continent’s democratic progress.
“Democracy cannot thrive on empty stomachs,” Kamara declared. He cautioned that when citizens struggle to survive amid high unemployment and hunger, while a privileged few blatantly loot public resources, trust in government erodes and disillusionment deepens. According to Kamara, this growing socioeconomic inequality creates fertile ground for instability, with frustrated youth increasingly turning away from democratic processes in favor of military interventions or authoritarian populism.
Kamara called for a shift from mere rhetoric to decisive action in the fight against corruption. He emphasized the need for resources to reach ordinary citizens rather than enriching political elites, and warned that selective justice—where powerful figures evade accountability while petty offenders are swiftly punished—only undermines faith in the fairness of the system.
Challenging African leaders to embrace true accountability, Kamara argued that the survival of the continent’s democracies hinges not just on holding regular elections, but on whether citizens feel their voices are heard, their rights protected, and their living standards improved.
The event, hosted by former Nigerian President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, drew policymakers, civil society representatives, and democracy advocates from across Africa to discuss the timely theme: “Why Democracies Die.”
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
