Democracy, Accountability, and Development Are Inseparable – NDI’s Dr Chris Fomunyoh To African Leaders

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

BUEA, Cameroon – Dr Christopher Fomunyoh Senior Associate for Africa, Regional Director and Special Adviser to the President at the National Democratic Institute made a forceful case for the inextricable link between democracy, accountability, and development during the 2024 edition of the Rebranding Africa Forum.

His remarks were part of a broader discourse on the future of African governance, which included other thought leaders, policy experts, and diplomats. The event in Brussels drew significant attention from international stakeholders interested in Africa's political and economic trajectory.

Speaking on "The Future of Democracy in Africa," Dr. Fomunyoh highlighted how development and democracy are not mutually exclusive, but rather, complement each other to foster long-term success and stability in African nations.

“Development and Democracy are not incompatible, and Governments and leaders should not impose false choices on citizens,” Dr Fomunyoh said. “Democracy with checks and balances, transparency, and accountability reinforces the chances of successful development, Dr Fomunyoh further explained.

“Our forbearers wanted independence to govern themselves and escape the authoritarianism of colonialism, and it will be unconscionable for this generation to accept to go backwards, Dr Fomunyoh reiterated emphatically.

The Rebranding Africa Forum (RAF) celebrated its 10th edition from October 17 to 19, 2024, in Brussels, bringing together opinion leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors to discuss essential transformations for the development of Africa. This major event positions itself as a strategic meeting point to address the profound transformations necessary for the development of Africa. In ten years of existence, the RAF has established itself as an essential place for African stakeholders eager to actively participate in the evolution of their continent.

Under the theme “Together, let's build Africa,” the forum addressed crucial and varied subjects, addressing the fundamental challenges of the continent's future such as Culture, Sports, Soft Power; Human Capital; ICT and Artificial Intelligence Climate Change and the Green Economy.

Dr Fomunyoh’s presence in Brussels also provided him an opportunity to engage in discussions with Cameroonians living abroad, as well as with members of the African diplomatic corps and the European Union. Amid growing restlessness among Cameroonians over the prolonged absence of President Paul Biya from the country and concerns about the nation’s future, Dr Fomunyoh has increasingly been seen as a voice of reason.

While he has yet to officially declare any presidential ambitions, speculation continues to mount. Dr Fomunyoh’s sharp critique of the Biya regime and his thoughtful proposals for ushering in a new era of governance in Cameroon have resonated with many, both at home and abroad. His call for a return to democratic principles, coupled with economic reform, positions him as a central figure in discussions about Cameroon’s path forward.

With the 2025 elections looming, Cameroonians and international observers alike are watching closely to see if Dr. Fomunyoh will formally enter the race, or continue his advocacy from outside the political arena. His reputation as an astute political thinker and champion for democracy has only grown stronger, especially as Cameroon grapples with rising tensions and a sense of political uncertainty.

In Brussels, Dr Fomunyoh’s message was clear: Africa’s future lies in the hands of those who are willing to defend democracy and uphold the values of transparency and accountability. For him, the choices are simple but profound. “Our future depends on it,” he said, underscoring the urgency for African leaders and citizens alike to prioritize democratic governance as the cornerstone of development.

About the Rebranding Africa Forum

Born in 2014 from the desire of its founder, Thierry Hot, to create a framework for consultation, reflection and exchange on the potential of which Africa abounds, the Rebranding Africa Forum, RAF, aims to promote the assets of the African continent, through a change in narrative and perception of the mother continent.

The challenge is to strengthen the confidence of partners, donors and investors for sustainable and inclusive development of the continent. In 10 years of existence, the Rebranding Africa Forum has become an essential meeting for Africans who want to impact their continent and be a stakeholder in its development.