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“We, of this persuasion, of this world view, what the German’s call our Weltanschauung, won the ideological battle of the last century. And today, our philosophy is the one that has taken and continues to take, millions of people out of poverty and create broad based prosperity. We, however, cannot pat ourselves on the back and say our policies and philosophy have become the dominant ideology around the world, and therefore our work is done.”
These words were uttered by His Excellency Dr. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo (President of Ghana) in his key note speech at the 2023 Democrat Union of Africa (DUA) Forum, while speaking on the shared belief between DUA member parties that “the application of democratic principles, operating within the context of strong private sector dominated market economies with good honest management of public finances provides the most effective platform for growth and rapid development.”
These words found meaning and resonated with delegates, in a context where democracy is under threat around the globe. From the threats to democratic countries sovereignty, to the re-emergence of military reign and continuing trends in unconstitutional change of power as well as leader’s refusal to relinquish power, the rise of autocracy provides a crucial reminder that our work is not done.
It is in such time that a platform like DUA is not just necessary but crucial to the survival and promotion of democracy in Africa. In this spirit and purpose, member of DUA parties throughout the continent gathered in Johannesburg from the 27th to the 29th of April 2023, to engage and work together in order to reinvigorate the democratic trajectory in their respective countries, as well as the continent. During this conference, delegates engaged on various topics ranging from Conservatives values in Africa, during which they sought to answer the question “What does conservativism means in Africa?” as well as how to translate those values into policies that people can identify with and benefit from. A reflective and frank discussion on the African-European relations, with focus on the responsibility and role of Africa in defining this relationship. Delegates also shared stories of rescinding of the democratic spaces in their respective countries, as well as solutions deployed by fellow DUA members that can inspire others. Throughout the conference, while delegates highlighted problems and issues, there was a common understanding that taking a solution oriented focus was primordial to making progress. The delegates later visited Soweto and Nelson Mandela’s house during the conference. Lastly, a discussion on shared practices and lessons in elections managements, with a Master Classes from Kathie Harbath (CEO, Anchor Change) and Samuel Awuku (National Secretary of the NPP) was delivered for the benefit of delegates. The first day of the event was attended by nearly 300 participants who also had the opportunity to listen to the virtual remarks made by the Rt Hon. Stephen Harper, 22nd Prime Minister of Canada and Chairman of the International Democrat Union (IDU). DUA is a platform of center-right parties in Africa, that seeks to strengthen its members with the ultimate result to deliver and promote democracy in their respective countries. As such, this conference was attended by delegates from Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Togo, Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Namibia, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda and Mozambique, as well as the UK Conservative Party and the CDU.
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