According to Baba Kamara, special envoy on terrorism for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), poverty and corruption are the “silent killers” threatening the democratic development of Africa.
At the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) 2025 Democracy Dialogue in Accra, Ghana, Kamara gave a speech.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan sponsored the discussion, which brought together advocates for democracy, civil society actors, and policymakers.
“Why Democracies Die” was the focus of the conversation.
The ambassador cautioned that when people are hungry, unemployed, or estranged from dishonest leaders, democracy cannot thrive.
According to him, growing socioeconomic disparity fosters instability and causes disillusioned young people to lose trust in democratic processes, turning instead to authoritarian populism or military takeovers.
“Democracy cannot survive on hunger. According to him, “the flagrant looting of public resources by a few erodes trust in government and fuels disillusionment while citizens struggle daily for survival.”
Kamara maintained that in order to ensure that resources serve common people rather than political elites, the battle against corruption must go beyond words and involve tangible action.
He claimed that “citizens lose faith in the fairness of the system” when powerful people evade justice while minor offenders are quickly imprisoned.
Through concrete reforms, the envoy urged African leaders to embrace accountability and rekindle faith in democracy.
Additionally, he called on the African Union and ECOWAS to hold those who undermine democratic government accountable.
“Whether or not citizens believe their opinions count, their rights are upheld, and their standard of living improves will determine whether or not democracy survives in Africa,” Kamara continued.
