The Citizen Citizen Think Tank of West Africa (Wathi) commemorated it’s tenth anniversary on September 25, 2024, with⁣ a regional conference focused on “the evolution of think tanks in West Africa in the face of democratic ⁢and security changes.” The event brought together experts and civil​ society actors to discuss the pressing challenges facing the continent and the world.The conference⁤ served as a platform for reflection on the role of think tanks in navigating a complex geopolitical ‍landscape.

Wathi’s Decade of Influence

Founded in 2015, Wathi’s core mission is to⁣ enrich public discourse in West Africa through accessible knowledge production,‌ policy recommendations, and the promotion of active citizenship. The institution aims to provide a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, notably those of women and men representing​ the ⁣internal diversity of West African nations.

“Wathi​ is at the heart of the mission ⁢that we ​have ‍given ourselves, that of making available to our part⁢ of Africa ⁤and⁢ the​ world, a platform open to the expression of a diversity of voices,‍ perspectives, a platform ​that gives voice to⁢ women and men, ​training course, various professional activities, men and women who ⁢illustrate the internal ‌diversity ⁣of each of the countries ⁢of West Africa,” stated⁣ Gilles Yabi, Executive Director of Wathi. ⁤ He further emphasized the⁤ organization’s resilience,⁢ noting, “Ten years later, we are here, we have survived and we grew up ⁢a bit.”

Regional Fragility and the Need for Dialog

Yabi also ⁤highlighted the precarious state⁢ of the West ‌African region.While specific details ‌of his concerns weren’t promptly available, his statement underscores a growing awareness of the‌ interconnected challenges of​ democratic backsliding, security threats, and socio-economic instability across the region.⁢ These challenges include, but ⁣are not limited to, the rise of extremist groups, political instability in several nations,⁤ and the impact of climate change on livelihoods.

The conference’s focus ​on dialogue, reflection,⁤ and shared knowledge suggests a belief⁣ that collaborative approaches are essential to addressing these complex ‍issues. ⁣As yabi concluded, “freedom…was born from ​dialogue, reflection and shared knowledge.”