News and Ideas (18)
TrustAfrica is an independent Pan-African Foundation headquartered in Dakar, Senegal and strongly believes that Africans must set the agenda for the Continent’s development and take the lead in implementing it. As a Foundation that is firmly grounded in civil society, transformative governance, and equitable development, TrustAfrica’s main mandate is to secure the conditions for democracy and justice across the African continent. TrustAfrica operates from a firm belief in democratic principles, a deep commitment to social justice, and a clear understanding of the need for economic vitality.
Patrick Barigbalo Naagbanton, a dear friend to the Trust and an avid human rights crusader, died on Saturday, September 21, 2019. The news of his death was received with great shock and sadness by all. Patrick Naagbanton was nominated and served in the inaugural class of the Trust’s Advisory Council from 2017 – 2019, where his contributions on strategy and advancement for sustainable development in Ogoniland has helped put forward the Trust’s work locally and nationally. His wealth of experience in the development sector spanning over a period of two decades was key in his appointment as a member of the Advisory Council. Patrick was instrumental in helping the relatives of Ken Saro-Wiwa bring a case against Shell in a US court, for their role in his death and nine other activities from Ogoniland. The Shell vs. Wiwa case resulted in a $15.5 million settlement to the plaintiffs in the lawsuit and the creation of the Kiisi Trust Fund with an initial $5 million endowment for the benefit of the Ogoni peoples.
Project Title: FOSTERING LEGISLATIVE ACCOUNTABILITY AND INCLUSIVE REPRESENTATION IN OGONILAND, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA
Grantee-Partner: Citizens Trust Advocacy and Development Center (CITADEC)
By Sambari Lemene and Dimkpa Vivian, Kiisi Trust Communications & Research Interns
One problem most developing countries face is lack of proper accountability of elected officials. Accountability is an elusive concept, but understanding where it originates can help citizens find ways to hold their governments accountable. Kiisi Trust, a donor-advised-fund managed by TrustAfrica, uses an all-inclusive participatory method when funding projects that seek to give voice to marginalized citizens. Through its Governance, Voice and Accountability thematic funding area, the Trust supports citizens and communities, particularly people from vulnerable or excluded groups, to become empowered to make choices about their own development – and to act on these choices. The Trust engages with communities, governments, businesses and other critical players to foster a culture of active citizenship.
