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Department of Research:
Collaborative Projects |
Civil Society and
Governance in West Africa
There are many
dimensions to the governance challenges facing Africa. However,
the history of the West African sub-region makes a focus on the
governance question particularly pertinent. West Africa is a
sub-region, which prior to the arrival of the forces of
colonialism was home to various experiments in state and
nation-building. The resistance to foreign colonial domination
was most widespread in West Africa where it also gathered pace
to yield the first fruits of independence. Soon after
independence, the sub-region became exposed to various forms of
domestic instability that resulted in the first coup d’etat
in post-independence Africa. Furthermore, in the 1980s, the
sub-region witnessed many conflicts, mostly intra-state in
nature, which took their toll in the form of the collapse of
central governmental authority. This historical assortment of
governance characterized by high and low points makes a study of
governance and the building of an open society a much relevant
one.
The collaboration
between CODESRIA and Open Society Initiative for West Africa
(OSIWA) is envisaged to establish a network of researchers in
African countries to monitor governance in their countries.
Engage academic research on governance with commensurate policy
measures. Promote a culture of dialogue between research and
policy on issues of governance.
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