Actualité  Posté le 16:01 23-07-2024, modifié le 16:01 23-07-2024 par Tournons La Page

From July 8 to 9, 2024, several members of Tournons La Page (TLP) took part in the “Building Solidarity“ Conference held in Dakar, Senegal. This international meeting strengthened solidarity between social movements and explored new forms of activism in the face of democratic backsliding and political repression. It was co-organized by AfricTivistes and Yiaga Africa with the support of National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

After the opening ceremony, which included speeches by AfricTivistes president Cheikh FALL, Yiaga Africa executive director Samson ITODO and NED representative Mamby DIOUF, a discussion was launched on the theme of “New expressions of solidarity”. Aisha DABO of AfricTivistes declared: “In Senegal, the fight against Macky Sall's 3rd term in office was grouped under the banner of ‘Jamm A Gen 3 Mandat’. Given that nothing can be taken for granted, we had to create another entity to keep solidarity alive in the country “.

Meanwhile, Professor David Ekoué DOSSEH of the Front Citoyen Togo Debout and coordinator of TLP-Togo, stressed the importance of internationalizing pro-democracy movements. ”Being in a country with a restricted civic space, we relied on regional solidarity with WADEMOS and international solidarity with Tournons la Page. These links have enabled us to internationalize our fight for democracy in Togo”, he said.

Work then continued with a discussion on setting up an African Solidarity Agreement. To this end, three separate groups were formed to reflect on the sub-themes: “Obstacles to the practice of solidarity in African social movements", "Key principles of solidarity” and “New opportunities for building solidarity in Africa The first day ended with a synthesis of the work done by these groups.

Discussions on the final day revolved around two round tables on the themes of “New forms of civic activism" and "Managing transitions in movements”. Finally, recommendations were made that should serve as a guide for an African Solidarity Agreement, in response to the muzzling of civic activism.