BANJUL, July 28, 2025 — Former Nigerian President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, ex-Malian leader Dioncounda Traore, and members of the West African Elders Forum will arrive in Banjul on Tuesday for the first-ever Sahel Governance Forum, taking place from July 30 to 31, 2025.
The major two-day event will bring together over 200 global leaders, policymakers, civil society groups, and development partners. The goal? To find new ways to rebuild trust between citizens and their governments across the Sahel — a region facing deep political transitions, insecurity, and broken institutions.
With the theme “The Future of Governance: (Re)building Social Cohesion and Public Trust,” the Forum is organized by the Government of The Gambia, in partnership with the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
President Adama Barrow of The Gambia described the Forum as a “vital step” towards reshaping how governance works in the Sahel. “We are proud to host this important gathering to ensure the benefits of sustainable peace and development are within reach for all Sahelians,” he said.
Dr. Jonathan added that the Forum could not have come at a better time. “Across the Sahel, people are demanding governance that is not only effective, but also equitable and inclusive. This Forum is about listening, action, and reimagining governance so it truly delivers for all,” he said.
The Sahel, home to over 350 million people — most of them young — has great human and natural potential. But poor governance, violent conflicts, and frequent coups have continued to hold it back.
A major highlight of the Forum will be the launch of a bold new report, “The Future of Governance in the Sahel,” crafted by UNDP and its partners. The report provides a roadmap based on public consultations in 10 Sahelian countries and recommends practical steps to rebuild trust, improve justice, and increase citizen involvement.
UN Assistant Secretary-General Ahunna Eziakonwa, who will also attend, said, “The Sahel is at a crossroads. We must use this forum to build a new governance compact that restores public trust, puts people at the centre and ensures institutions serve all, not just a few.”
The Forum will feature high-level talks, panel sessions with past and present leaders, youth and women discussions, and expert-led conversations around justice, technology, leadership, and economic reforms.
By the end of the event, participants are expected to adopt a joint action plan for stronger, more inclusive governance — one that can finally move the region toward peace, progress, and public trust
