AACC and AUC Convene Faith Actors and Civil Society Leaders for Transformative Conversations on Democracy, Elections and Governance in Africa
On 31st July 2025, the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) and African Union Commission (AUC) kicked off a series of webinars on Democracy, Elections and Governance in Africa. The webinars aim at strengthening evidence-based advocacy for peace, human rights, and social justice on the continent. Moderated by Ms. Elsie Macauley from the Methodist church, Gambia, the first webinar provided an opportunity for participants to examine the African Continental Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG).
To begin off the conversations, Ambassador Salah Sidding, Head of the African Governance Architecture and African Peace and Security Architecture (GA-APSA) Secretariat of the AUC made a presentation explaining ACDEG's development, ratification process, and role as an African-owned instrument for upholding democratic values and governance standards. While emphasizing the collective responsibility of African institutions and citizens in its promotion and implementation, he stressed the significant role of African religious institutions in promoting good governance in the continent. Amb. Salah also recognized the role of AACC’s campaign on Africa: My Home. My Future. in advancing youth participation in election process and governance, expressing that the campaign affirms his hope the Africa We Want.
In her response to the presentation, Ms. Ethel Muchena, an advocacy officer at Zimbabwe Election Support Network highlighted the charter's strengths while acknowledging the various challenges concerning its implementation. Bishop Emmanuel Chikoya, General Secretary at the Council of Churches Zambia also shared on how the ACDEG provides a framework for the church and faith-based organizations' work promoting good governance in Africa.
While reflecting on the best practices in promoting democracy and good governance, religious leaders emphasized the importance of the AU and AACC collaborating on joint training programs on election monitoring and promoting active participation.
