The Democracy Union of Africa (DUA) Forum 2025 began today in Nairobi, Kenya, gathering over 25 center-right political parties from across the continent to discuss Africa’s evolving role in a multipolar world.
The four-day event, themed “Navigating Africa’s Strategic Position in a Multipolar World,” was officially opened by DUA Chairperson Ms. Louisa Atta-Agyemang. With more than 300 participants in attendance, the forum is supported by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) and co-hosted by Kenya’s African National Union (KANU) Party, led by Senator Gideon Moi, and the Democratic Party of Kenya, led by Rt. Hon. Justin B. Muturi.
The opening session featured a keynote address by Lord Michael Ashcroft, Honorary Chairman of the International Democracy Union (IDU) and former Deputy Chairman of the UK Conservative Party. His speech focused on the strategic and operational challenges facing Africa’s center-right political movements. The forum aims to strengthen key principles shared by its members, such as democracy, individual liberty, market-driven economies, and accountable governance.
At the event’s conclusion, a joint declaration outlining strategies to enhance Africa-Europe relations is expected to be adopted.
However, amidst the discussions on international cooperation and policy, concerns over democratic space within member states were raised. Patrick Oboi Amuriat, president of Uganda’s Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party, spoke out during a panel discussion, criticizing the political climate in his country. The FDC is recognized as a key member of DUA.
Amuriat, joined by Mr. Mulindwa Walid Lubega, the Party’s Deputy Secretary for Publicity, expressed grave concern over the shrinking political space in Uganda. “The shrinking political space in Uganda is a serious concern for all those who believe in genuine democracy,” he stated.
“We are witnessing the weaponization of the criminal justice system to harass political opponents and an unequal playing field in the ongoing presidential campaigns. This systematic repression must be condemned by the international community.”
Amuriat also highlighted the plight of political prisoners, including figures like Col. Kizza Besigye, saying, “The suffering of political prisoners is a painful reminder of the cost of standing up for democracy.”
The forum will continue with panel discussions, policy dialogues, and roundtables focused on key issues such as democracy, trade, innovation, and Africa-Europe security cooperation.
Later today, the FDC’s flagbearer, Rt. Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi, will participate in a panel discussion on election experiences, offering further insights into the complexities of electoral processes across the continent.