By: Julius Konton
In a significant milestone for Africa’s democratic movement, Eddie D. Jarwolo, Executive Director of NAYMOTE Partners for Democratic Development, has been elected General Secretary of the African Democratic Alliance for Freedom and Progress (ADAFP), a newly unified continental platform championing democracy, liberalism, and progressive governance.
Mr. Jarwolo’s election took place during ADAFP’s historic inaugural General Assembly, held in Casablanca, where more than 50 delegates from 25 African countries convened to forge a common front for democratic solidarity at a time when governance, accountability, and citizen participation remain central challenges across the continent.
A New Continental Platform for Democratic Renewal
Founded to respond to Africa’s evolving political landscape, ADAFP seeks to strengthen democratic institutions, advance social justice, and promote inclusive economic development.
The alliance brings together reformist political movements and democratic actors committed to constitutionalism, human rights, and people-centered governance.
According to regional governance data from continental democracy watchdogs, over 40 percent of African countries have experienced democratic backsliding or contested elections over the past decade, underscoring the urgency of cross-border cooperation among reform-minded political forces.
ADAFP positions itself as a corrective platform aimed at reversing these trends through shared values, policy coordination, and citizen engagement.
Diverse Leadership Reflecting Africa’s Political Spectrum
The Casablanca Assembly elected a leadership team reflecting Africa’s geographic, linguistic, and political diversity:
President: Mmusi Maimane, Leader of Build One South Africa
Deputy Presidents:
Nabil Adel, Popular Movement (Morocco)
Mouhamadou Faye, Libéraux Démocrates Réformateurs (Senegal)
General Secretary: Eddie D. Jarwolo, Chair, NAYMOTE (Liberia)
Deputy Secretary General: Adil Abdel Aati, Sudan of the Future & Euro-African Foundation
Treasurer: Amal Awad Mukhtar Nasir, Union Progressiste Tchadienne (Chad)
Deputy Treasurer: Kader Makanera, Union des Forces Républicaines (Guinea)
Jarwolo’s Mandate: From Election Integrity to Continental Administration
As General Secretary, Mr. Jarwolo assumes the role of Chief Administrative Officer of ADAFP, responsible for institutional coordination, policy harmonization, and strategic implementation across member movements.
Widely recognized for his work in election observation, youth participation, and civic accountability, Jarwolo brings to the alliance over a decade of experience in democratic governance advocacy.
Under his leadership at NAYMOTE, Liberia recorded improvements in election monitoring frameworks and youth civic engagement, contributing to more transparent electoral processes.
“This is not merely a position; it is a responsibility,” Jarwolo said following his election.
“A responsibility to deepen democracy, strengthen institutions, and amplify the voices of citizens across Africa.”
Toward a Modern and Prosperous Africa
ADAFP leaders emphasized that the alliance’s long-term vision is the construction of a modern, democratic, and prosperous Africa, grounded in freedom, dignity, opportunity, and justice for present and future generations.
Political analysts view the formation of ADAFP as part of a broader continental trend toward transnational political cooperation, mirroring similar alliances in Europe and Latin America.
With Africa’s population projected to exceed 2.5 billion by 2050, proponents argue that coordinated democratic governance will be essential to managing economic growth, social inclusion, and political stability.
A Symbolic Moment for Liberia and African Democracy
Mr. Jarwolo’s election also marks a notable moment for Liberia’s civil society leadership on the continental stage, reinforcing the country’s growing contribution to democratic thought leadership in Africa.
As ADAFP begins its operational phase, expectations are high that the alliance will move beyond declarations toward actionable reforms, cross-border political learning, and a renewed democratic momentum across the continent.
