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The
centre was prompted by the need to mobilise global opinion for democratic
development, reflect critically on the unique challenges to
democratisation and development in West Africa, and to generate
dialogue on alternative routes to good governance, that are
culturally relevant and sensitive. It was the crisis of
governance in Nigeria that motivated its establishment, but this
was always to be an entry point for engaging the region as a
whole, since Nigeria’s size and potential are crucial to the
fate of the region.
In
the course of two decades, West Africa has witnessed a profound
and historic shift in the political climate of the region
towards democratic and accountable governments.
The the formal exit of the military
from politics in Nigeria, peaceful alternation of power in
Benin, Senegal, Ghana, and Cape Verde, the restoration of
constitutional governments in Sierra Leone and Côte d’ Ivoire
provide justification for optimism. Yet, despite this evident
progress, it would be premature to claim that economic and
political stability has been achieved throughout the region. For
example, the resurgence of conflict in the Mano River basin and
Senegambia as well as in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria
remains a cause for worry, and indeed, the economic stability of
the entire sub-region remains precarious. |
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Now
CDD’s role is more crucial than ever. Democracy is not
achieved by elections alone. It is a process of consolidation,
which must be built upon if we are to reap the benefits of
recent years. Our unique role as a leading intellectual resource
places us in a prime position to strengthen civic organisations
and government institutions toward enhancing their capacity to
understand, anticipate, plan and forecast holistic solutions to
the problems of democratisation and development.
From
a staff base of two in 1997, CDD has grown into a
well-established organisation, with three offices and programme
partners in Africa, Asia, America and Europe, twenty full time
staff and an income, this year of $1.6 million. CDD has become a
reference point for informed analysis and capacity building in
West Africa and its progress has been meteoric, as it has been
challenging.
The
past five years have served as a crucible for learning and
preparing for the main and decisive work of the Centre. CDD is
setting out upon that work now. It needs your help.
Please use the links on
the menu above to find out more about our work and the CDD
endowment campaign, or to offer your support, please email
us at endowment@cdd.org.uk
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