By: Binta Jaiteh
The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) in collaboration with the Ford Foundation West Africa yesterday engaged traditional rulers and religious leaders on the themeRule of Law, Democracy, and Human Rights Mechanisms.
The event was described as an acknowledgement of the vital role of these leaders in strengthening and promoting democracy and human rights.
Speaking at a ceremony to open the meeting, representative of the Minister of Lands, Regional Government, and Religious Affairs Aminah Saffie Sankareh-Farage said the rule of law means that everyone is held accountable and must follow the same rules.
“Human rights are the basic freedoms and protections we all deserve, like the right to speak freely, to live without fear, and to be treated equally,” she added.
She said democracy is about people having a voice, making sure those in charge are accountable to the public, and ensuring fairness and transparency in the way “we are governed”.
“These concepts are not just words. They are the foundation of peaceful, thriving communities. When we adopt them, we create the space for everyone to contribute and for societies to flourish. So, it’s about empowering leaders to uphold these values and, in turn, strengthen the communities they serve,” Mrs. Farage explained.
“Globally, we are facing significant challenges, including threats to democratic governance, rising conflicts, and the resurgence of both military and constitutional coups that undermine the rule of law and peace. Political instability in many regions, combined with the rise of extremist ideologies, has placed increased pressure on institutions and communities across the globe and more especially in Africa,” she added.
Madam Farage pointed out that religious and traditional leaders hold a unique and influential position, emphasizing that “venerable” religious leaders must never downplay the crucial importance of their sermons to their congregations. These messages, she continued, are powerful tools that can be used to foster unity and togetherness.
“By doing so, they help ensure that our democratic space is both guided and protected. Their ability to mediate, promote peace, and advocate for human rights is essential in countering destabilizing forces.
“As community leaders, their roles in upholding the rule of law and fostering dialogue are critical in preventing conflicts, supporting democratic governance, and promoting sustainable development,” she recognized.
Representative of the facilitators Prof.Nana Busia noted that religious and traditional leader “are influential in our societies”.
“This influence is a double-edged sword that people respect but also seems to violate rights in countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and possibly The Gambia. These are the challenges that confront our countries. Any serious discussion of human rights, democracyand peacekeeping cannot be complete without the participation of religious leaders and traditional leaders. We are still in the nation-building project and that is why inclusivity is needed,” he stated.