Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have been urged to play a stronger role in promoting good governance as Namibia continues implementing the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).
Stakeholders said stronger partnerships and capacity building are essential to improving governance and accountability.
These sentiments were shared during a discussion held by CSOs on Namibia's progress regarding the APRM and the implementation of the National Programme of Action.
APRM Chairperson Wilfried Emvula stated that the review areas have expanded to include disaster resilience and e-governance.
“The APRM is a nationally led process. That's why civil society is one of our stakeholders. The APRM process fosters inclusive participation, and the mutually agreed instrument acceded to by AU member states upholds credible national review processes free of political manipulation.”
A researcher at the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), Graham Hopwood, pointed out that the APRM is a partnership between government, CSOs and the private sector.
Hopwood therefore says CSOs must help monitor the implementation of governance reforms and ensure commitments are not overlooked.
“Civil society needs to be involved in making that happen but also monitoring to make sure that some of the points are not forgotten, things like access to information." We know there's a law in place, but it's not actually implemented.”
Speakers stressed that an active and independent civil society remains essential for promoting accountability, transparency, and inclusive governance.
“But I think we need to do more to strengthen the capacity of civil society to perform its role. My professors used to define civil society as the organisations that are present where government is absent. When you look at rural areas, you find small community-based organisations and civil society groups involved in health, education, and many other important areas. They play a vital role, but I believe they need greater support to enable them to participate effectively.”
CSO leaders also called for stronger self-regulation, adding that they must uphold good governance within their own structures to maintain credibility.