The Democrat Union of Africa (DUA), established in 1997 in Dakar, Senegal, is a coalition of center-right political parties dedicated to promoting democracy, individual freedom, and economic growth across the continent.

As an affiliate of the International Democrat Union (IDU), DUA collaborates with member parties to strengthen democratic institutions and advocate for free-market principles.

Recent national elections have showcased the influence and reach of DUA’s member parties. Significant electoral successes were observed in Ghana, Angola, and Mali, where DUA-affiliated parties secured substantial victories.

These achievements underscore the growing impact of center-right ideologies in shaping Africa’s political landscape.

In October 2024, representatives from these successful member parties participated in a delegation to Brussels.

This visit aimed to foster international partnerships and exchange best practices in governance and economic development.

Such engagements highlight DUA’s commitment to integrating African democratic aspirations with global democratic movements.

While comprehensive data from Mozambique’s national elections held on October 9, 2024, is pending, the anticipation surrounding the outcomes reflects the dynamic nature of political participation within DUA’s network.

The collective progress of DUA’s member parties signifies a broader trend towards embracing democratic values and economic liberalization across Africa.

By championing these principles, the Democrat Union of Africa continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the continent’s future, ensuring that democracy and individual freedoms remain at the forefront of Africa’s development agenda.

Source: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e.V.

Ulf Engel, University of Leipzig

The African Union (AU) member states will elect a new senior leadership of the AU Commission in February 2025.

The commission was originally conceived as the secretariat of the AU. Over the years it has become the driving force behind the pan-African project.

The positions of AU Commission chairperson and deputy, as well as most of the six AU commissioners, are contested. The position of chair rotates between the five African regions; this will be east Africa’s turn. There are four candidates, all male. North Africa will put forward candidates for the deputy chairperson.

According to the statutes of the African Union (2002), the chairperson of the AU Commission is the chief executive officer of the AU, its legal representative, and its accounting officer.

The chairperson’s tasks are complex. In essence, they focus on coordinating and harmonising policies between the AU, member states and the eight officially recognised regional economic communities. The term of office is four years, renewable once.

As a long-time observer of the African Union – among other things, as editor of the Yearbook on the African Union (open access with Brill Academic Publishers) – I’ve identified six areas where the coordination and harmonisation function of the future chairperson will be of utmost importance.

These are:

• renewing member states’ commitment to the AU’s shared values
• finalising the policy on the division of labour between the AU and the regional economic communities
• increasing the number of Common African Positions on key global challenges
• adopting a systematic approach to the AU’s strategic partnerships with multilateral and bilateral players
• completing the process of financial and institutional reform of the organisation
• furthering the development of a “citizen’s union” – as envisaged in Agenda 2063, The Africa We Want, the blueprint for the continent’s future.

These six areas are structurally at the core of the African Union’s long-term policy development. If they are not tackled systematically, the pan-African agenda will not make much progress.

Six major challenges

The set of shared values on human rights, the rule of law and the rights of women, youth, and minorities that the AU has agreed to in the past has been jeopardised.

The reasons include the democratic recession on the continent since 2006, the politics of member states denying human rights violations or the threat of violent extremism and terrorism in their countries, and the increasing number of so-called unconstitutional changes of government.

The AU’s existing policy on unconstitutional changes of government does not seem to be working any longer. There is a lack of support for it from member states and regional economic communities. National sovereignty is being defended at almost any cost.

The coups d’etats in Mali (2021), Burkina Faso (2022) and Niger (2023) are just the most recent examples in which neither the AU nor the regional economic community concerned (Ecowas) could bring about a return to constitutional order.

Second, the division of labour between the AU and the regional economic communities needs to be finalised. The necessary policy documents and the related practices are not yet in place. And there are constant contradictions in various policy fields. This is particularly true in peace and security but also in trade. The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) is just one of many examples.

Third, the AU has developed several positions on key global challenges, including the reform of the UN security council and climate change. This is important for making an impact in international forums such as the United Nations and the G20 (where the AU became a member in September 2023).

The process of arriving at Common African Positions needs to be more systematic. And the implications for AU member states need to be defined more precisely.

Currently, the AU is developing an extremely important position on the nexus between climate change and peace and security.

Fourth, the AU Commission must be clear about the criteria for when an international organisation or a country becomes a strategic partner, and what the practical implications are. And there is no mechanism for monitoring and evaluating strategic partnerships.

Fifth, the institutional and financial reform of the organisation, which began in 2016/2017, has yet to be completed. Progress has been made on restructuring the AU Commission, but financial reform needs to be completed.

The AU has raised an additional US$341 million for the Peace Fund since 2017. But it still depends on international partners. In the current budget, which was adopted in Accra in July 2024, AU member states and African institutions contribute 41.85% of the estimated expenditure (mainly for salaries and maintenance) and international partners 58.15% (mainly for programme implementation and peacebuilding activities).

This continues to raise questions of ownership, commitment and independence.

And finally, the ambition to become a “citizen’s union” is still unfulfilled. This involves cooperation with civil society organisations, their role in the Economic, Social and Cultural Council, and the potentially creative role of the Pan-African Parliament – established to ensure full participation of Africans in the economic development and integration of the continent.

There are also issues such as the free movement of persons and the African passport, and bridging the gap between the AU and what is happening at the local level in member states.

African citizens are supposed to experience the AU as relevant to their lives.

Complex agenda

This is an extensive and complex agenda. There are reasons why many of the issues discussed here have been dragging on for years. And the incoming AU Commission chairperson has only limited room for manoeuvre against unwilling member states.

The future chairperson will again have to forge a coalition of the willing and the able – in relation to the member states, the regional economic communities and the AU commissioners.

Ulf Engel, Professor, Institute of African Studies, University of Leipzig

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Africa’s Center-Right Alliance: A New Era of Political Cooperation

The Democrat Union of Africa (DUA) is at the forefront of driving political transformation across Africa through its unwavering commitment to democracy, governance, and liberty. As an alliance of center-right political parties, DUA unites leaders and policymakers to foster political stability, strengthen democratic institutions, and advance Africa’s conservative ideals.

Empowering Political Voices Across Africa

DUA plays a pivotal role in amplifying the voices of centre-right political parties across the continent. With members representing nations from Ghana to South Africa, Mozambique to Namibia, the Union serves as a platform for collaboration and collective action. By promoting inclusive governance, fair elections, and regional cooperation, DUA’s initiatives address the pressing challenges of political fragmentation and voter apathy.

Louisa Atta-Agyemang: A Historic Leadership Milestone

Louisa Atta-Agyemang’s recent election as the youngest Chairperson of DUA signals a new era for the Union. Her historic leadership brings a fresh perspective and renewed focus on empowering young leaders in African politics. As the Deputy Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in Ghana, Louisa combines expertise in governance with a vision for transformative leadership, ensuring DUA’s mission resonates with the next generation of African politicians.

Strategic Goals: Democracy and Stability

DUA’s strategic objectives center on fostering democratic governance and ensuring political stability. Recent forums and initiatives have spotlighted innovative approaches to election monitoring, advocacy for transparent electoral processes, and strategies to address voter apathy. These efforts underscore DUA’s dedication to crafting solutions tailored to Africa’s unique political landscape.

The Power of Collaboration

At the heart of DUA’s success is its emphasis on collaboration. Member parties work together to share best practices, build capacity, and implement region-specific strategies that drive political and social progress. Notable partnerships, such as those with the Inkatha Freedom Party (South Africa), CHADEMA (Tanzania), and Unity Party (Liberia), highlight the Union’s ability to unite diverse political entities under a shared mission.

Championing Youth Leadership

DUA’s focus on youth empowerment is a cornerstone of its mission. By equipping young leaders with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate complex political systems, the Union ensures a pipeline of capable, center-right leaders ready to take on future challenges. Dedicated programs and forums provide platforms for emerging leaders to exchange ideas and contribute to Africa’s democratic transformation.

Looking Ahead: DUA’s Vision for Africa

As Africa faces evolving political dynamics, the Democrat Union of Africa remains steadfast in its mission to promote democracy, strengthen governance, and foster unity among center-right political voices. With visionary leaders like Louisa Atta-Agyemang at the helm, DUA is poised to lead the charge in building a politically stable and democratically vibrant Africa.

Join the Democrat Union of Africa

Be part of the movement shaping Africa’s democratic future. Explore DUA’s initiatives, connect with member parties, and learn how you can contribute to promoting liberty, governance, and unity across the continent. Visit DUA’s official website today.

Louisa Atta-Agyemang Makes History as Youngest DUA Chairperson

In a groundbreaking moment for African politics, Louisa Atta-Agyemang from Ghana has been elected as the youngest Chairperson of the Democrat Union of Africa (DUA). This significant milestone highlights her exceptional leadership and the trust placed in her by 21 center-right political parties across the continent, securing her an overwhelming 90% of the votes in an uncontested election.

Louisa brings a wealth of experience to her role as the Chairperson of DUA. In addition to this achievement, she serves as the Deputy Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in charge of Operations, showcasing her dedication to public service and operational excellence.

A Historic Forum in Accra

Louisa’s election comes on the heels of the successful 2024 DUA Forum, held on August 8, 2024, in Accra, Ghana. Themed “Strengthening Democratic Institutions for Political Stability: Crafting Africa’s Response,” the Forum attracted center-right thought leaders and key political players from across Africa. Ghana’s Vice President, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, graced the event as the Guest Speaker, adding to its prominence.

The Forum was a resounding success, reflecting meticulous planning under Louisa’s leadership as the Convener. Distinguished participants included the Forum for Democratic Change (Uganda), Inkatha Freedom Party (South Africa), Unity Party (Liberia), PDCI-RDA (Ivory Coast), Popular Democratic Movement (Namibia), The Third Republic Party (Tunisia), RENAMO (Mozambique), and many others.

Strengthening Democratic Governance Across Africa

The discussions at the Forum were pivotal, addressing critical issues such as political stability, governance, and democratic reforms. Notable speakers included Hon. Tony Peter Clement (former Canadian Minister of Industry and President of the Treasury Board), Mr. Peter Mac Manu (former National Chairman of Ghana’s New Patriotic Party), and Prof. Mohammed Haruna (Deputy General Secretary of the NPP). Their insights further enriched the dialogue on fostering sustainable democracy in Africa.

A Courtesy Call to DUA Patron

In the days leading up to the Forum, the DUA delegation paid a courtesy call on Ghana’s President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who serves as the Patron of the Democrat Union of Africa. This meeting underscored the Forum’s importance and further emphasized Ghana’s pivotal role in promoting democratic ideals across the continent.

Looking Ahead: Louisa’s Vision for DUA

Louisa Atta-Agyemang’s election signifies a new chapter for the Democrat Union of Africa. Her leadership promises to advance DUA’s mission of uniting centre-right political parties, strengthening democratic institutions, and promoting political stability across Africa. As the youngest Chairperson in DUA’s history, she represents a fresh perspective and a commitment to empowering the next generation of African leaders.

Join the Movement

Be part of this transformative journey. Discover more about the Democrat Union of Africa, its vision, and its initiatives to build a stronger, more democratic Africa by visiting DUA’s official website.

The Democrat Union of Africa (DUA) Forum, held from August 6-10, 2024, in Accra, Ghana, proved to be a landmark event, bringing together a diverse array of political leaders, policymakers, and experts from across the continent and beyond. This year’s forum, themed “Strengthening Democratic Institutions for Political Stability: Crafting Africa’s Response,” spotlighted the crucial role of resilient democratic institutions in fostering political stability and driving socioeconomic development across Africa.

The forum commenced on August 7 with a keynote address by the Hon. Tony Clement, former IDU Deputy Chairman, former Canadian Minister of Industry, and former President of the Treasury Board, setting the stage for the substantive discussions to follow. The Hon, Clement’s speech underscored the transformative potential of leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance campaign coalitions, a topic increasingly relevant in today’s digital landscape. But he also highlighted AI’s challenges for electoral integrity, which needs to be heeded around the world.

Day One also featured dynamic plenary sessions, including “Multi-actor Partnerships in the New Geopolitical Context: Accelerating Opportunities for Socioeconomic Development.” Esteemed speakers highlighted the necessity of cross-sector and cross-regional collaboration to tackle Africa’s complex challenges. Another key session, “Adaptive Campaign Strategies for Navigating the Modern Political Terrain,” provided valuable insights from both international and local political figures, emphasizing the need for adaptable strategies in contemporary political campaigns.

A notable highlight of the forum was the DUA Courtesy Call on H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana. During this meeting, President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to democratic values and political stability, stressing the vital role of robust democratic institutions in achieving sustainable progress. The President’s remarks echoed the strategic importance of the forum’s objectives for both Ghana and the broader African region. Members of the DUA, led by Co-Chair Louisa Atta-Agyemang, extended their best wishes to President Akufo-Addo as his tenure as President of Ghana approaches its conclusion.

The second day of the forum featured a spotlight session on Togo, presented by Hon. Kokou Dodji Apevon (National President, Forces Démocratiques Pour La République in Togo), Amb. Bamba Youssoufou Joseph (Executive Secretary, Foreign Relations – PDCI-RDA in Ivory Coast), Hon. Fana Norman Mkhonza (Deputy Secretary General, African Christian Democratic Party in South Africa), Dr. Stefanie Brinkel (Resident Representative, Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation in Ivory Coast), and moderated by Mr. Isaac Jay Hyde (Deputy National Youth Organiser, New Patriotic Party in Ghana). Their discussion centered on safeguarding against power consolidation and promoting peaceful transitions of power.

The official opening event of the DUA Forum Day Two commenced immediately after with special remarks delivered by Dr. Holger Dix (Director, Regional Programme-Political Dialogue Sub-Saharan Africa of the Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation), Chairman Peter Mac Manu (Former Chairman, DUA), and the Hon. Tony Clement. Co-Chairperson Louisa Atta-Agyemang’s address on democratic progress and challenges highlighted critical issues faced by many African nations.

H.E. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana and the leader and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party delivered the keynote address. As the NPP’s Presidential candidate in the upcoming elections, he stressed the significance of democracy for sustainable development and urged political leaders and DUA members to unite in strengthening democratic institutions across the continent, emphasizing that the future of Africa depended on their collective efforts to uphold the rule of law and create opportunities for all.

The forum also included practical sessions, such as constituency visits on August 9 to the Ledzokuku and Akuapem North constituencies in Ghana. These visits provided insights into local dynamics influencing electoral outcomes, showcasing how national policies and strategies are executed on the ground. The focus on innovative voter engagement strategies aimed to address voter apathy and promote more inclusive political processes.

The 2024 DUA Forum was a unique and significant opportunity for networking and partnership-building, fostering collaboration across national and regional boundaries. Informal events, including dinners, encouraged dialogue and strengthened connections among participants. The forum concluded with a commitment to ongoing discussions on enhancing Africa’s democratic institutions, with the insights gained expected to influence future political strategies and initiatives.

The DUA held its General Assembly (AGM) on the 9^th November, 2022 in Abidjan Cote D’Ivoire. This was the first in –person DUA gathering after nearly four years. The global outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic had made it impossible for such gatherings to happen. It was therefore a sensational moment for the member parties hailing from 15 African countries to meet one another after that long.   

After addressing challenges facing the continent and the DUA itself, the assembly was concluded by electing Rt. Hon Freeman Mbowe who is also the National Chairman of Tanzania’s Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) and HE Louisa Atta- Agyemang of the Ghana’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) to serve the organization as Co- Chairpersons.

Through this meeting, the DUA renewed its spirit in championing the centre-right ideals on the continent. Both Rt. Hon Freeman Mbowe and HE Louisa Atta-Agyemang pledged their commitment to unify member parties in order to create a stronger and clearer centre-right voice in addressing a multitude of challenges confronting the African Continent.

Democrat Union of Africa Forum 2023: Strengthening Political Partnerships in Africa

The Democrat Union of Africa (DUA) recently hosted its highly anticipated 2023 Forum in Johannesburg, South Africa, marking another milestone in its mission to promote democracy, liberty, and political stability across the continent. The Forum brought together a coalition of center-right political leaders, organizations, and policymakers committed to shaping Africa’s democratic future.

A Platform for Dialogue and Cooperation

Held under the theme “Innovative Solutions for Political Stability in Africa,” the Forum served as a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration among DUA member parties. High-level discussions addressed pressing issues such as governance reforms, youth political engagement, and the role of technology in fostering transparent electoral processes.

Distinguished attendees included representatives from prominent political parties such as the Inkatha Freedom Party (South Africa), Unity Party (Liberia), RENAMO (Mozambique), and CHADEMA (Tanzania), among others. Their shared commitment to strengthening democratic institutions highlighted the Forum’s critical role in uniting Africa’s center-right political voices.

Keynote Speakers and Highlights

The event featured powerful keynote speeches from influential leaders, including Hon. Tony Peter Clement, former Canadian Minister of Industry, and Mr. Peter Mac Manu, former National Chairman of Ghana’s New Patriotic Party. These thought leaders emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and grassroots mobilization in advancing Africa’s democratic ideals.

In addition to the engaging discussions, the Forum spotlighted success stories from member parties, showcasing innovative strategies for political campaigning, governance, and citizen engagement. These case studies served as a source of inspiration for attendees, fostering the exchange of ideas and best practices.

A Special Focus on Youth Empowerment

One of the Forum’s highlights was its emphasis on empowering young political leaders. Dedicated sessions explored ways to involve Africa’s youth in democratic processes, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to drive political change. This initiative aligns with DUA’s mission to nurture the next generation of center-right leaders across the continent.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening African Democracy

The Johannesburg Forum concluded with actionable commitments from participating members to enhance political cooperation, support democratic governance, and address voter apathy through targeted advocacy efforts. The event’s success reaffirmed the Democrat Union of Africa’s pivotal role in uniting political voices and fostering a stable, democratic Africa.

Join the Movement

Explore more about the Democrat Union of Africa, its vision, and its initiatives to promote democracy and governance by visiting DUA’s official website. Together, we can shape a stronger democratic future for Africa.

The Democrat Union of Africa has elected a new leadership in a virtual General Meeting on September 25, 2020. The International Democrat Union congratulates all new board members and is looking forward to a fruitful cooperation in the upcoming years with our African affiliate.

Democracy is a great good, many African countries are still not experiencing. In numerous places on the continent, democracy is challenged, the freedom of speech and expression is questioned and the right to free and fair elections is denied. Democracy has to live among societies and political parties and has to be valued, preserved and restored. The Democrat Union of Africa is connecting and supporting centre-right parties on the African continent and thus actively contributing to a better future.

New DUA leadership:

Chairman
Hon. McHenry Venaani, PDM Namibia

Deputy Chairman
Hon. John Boadu, NPP Ghana

Vice Chairman (Northern Africa)
Rahhal El Makkaoui, Istiqlal Morocco

Vice Chairman (Eastern Africa)
Nick Salat, KANU Kenya

Vice Chairman (Southern Africa)
Hon. Maditso Kazombo, MCP, Malawi

Vice Chairman (Western Africa)
Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, PDP Nigeria

Secretary General
Hon. Norbert Mao, DP Uganda

Treasurer
Hon. Narend Singh, IFP South Africa