Former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has confirmed his arrival in Banjul, The Gambia, ahead of the Inaugural Sahel Governance Forum, scheduled to hold from July 30 to 31, 2025.
Using his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday evening, Dr. Jonathan announced his arrival in the Gambian capital to join other political leaders, policymakers, civil society actors, and development partners from across Africa and around the globe for what he described as a historic event.
“I arrived in Banjul this evening to join many other political leaders, policymakers, civil society representatives and development partners from across Africa and the world who have gathered for the inaugural Sahel Governance Forum,” the former President wrote.
The two-day high-level forum, themed “The Future of Governance: (Re)building Social Cohesion and Public Trust,” is being convened by the Government of the Republic of The Gambia, in partnership with the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The Forum seeks to address pressing governance challenges across the Sahel region, with a focus on restoring public confidence, reinforcing democratic values, and promoting inclusive political transitions in fragile contexts.
Dr. Jonathan, whose foundation is a co-organizer of the event, emphasized the importance of strengthening citizen trust and deepening democratic governance, particularly in a region grappling with insecurity, institutional instability, and socio-political tensions.
“I wish the participants fruitful deliberations as they explore ways of strengthening citizen trust, deepening political transitions and improving governance in the Sahel,” he stated.
The Sahel Governance Forum is expected to feature plenary sessions, expert panels, and policy dialogues addressing topics such as electoral integrity, conflict resolution, civic engagement, and inclusive development strategies.
As a respected statesman and advocate for democratic governance, Dr. Jonathan’s presence in Banjul further underscores his ongoing commitment to peacebuilding and democratic consolidation across Africa.
Credit: @GEJonathan via x.com.
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