Introduction:
The WACSOF’ RECONNECT Information Session was held on 19th October
2023, where Mr. Kop’ep Dabugat, the General Secretary of WACSOF (West
Africa Civil Society Forum), briefed stakeholders on the current
happenings within the organization. This report aims to provide a
summary of the session and its key highlights.
Summary of Mr. Kop’ep Dabugat’s Briefing:
- Background and Appointment:
Mr. Kop’ep Dabugat highlighted that he was appointed to the position of General
Secretary with the objective of restructuring the organization. He emphasized the
need to address the existing challenges and move the Forum towards a more
organized and effective entity. - Key Objectives:
During the information session, Mr. Kop’ep Dabugat identified three primary
objectives for WACSOF:
a. Reorganize the Institution:
The first objective is to reorganize the institution to enhance its operational
efficiency and effectiveness. By implementing better management practices,
streamlining processes, and promoting transparency, WACSOF aims to improve
overall organizational performance.
b. Regain Partners’ Trust:
The second objective is to regain the trust of partners who have been involved
with WACSOF. By addressing any past issues and ensuring clear and effective
communication, WACSOF intends to restore strong and reliable relationships with
its partners.
c. Organize the People’s Forum:
The third objective is to organize the People’s Forum. Mr. Dabugat stressed the
importance of engaging with all WACSOFs stakeholders by organizing in the
shortest time possible the People’s Forum which is the Organization’s General
Assembly to give room for their active involvement in decision-making processes.
- Action Plan:
Mr. Kop’ep Dabugat outlined a comprehensive action plan to achieve these
objectives:
a. Strengthening Management Capacity:
This aspect of the plan focuses on enhancing the management capacity of
WACSOF. Specific measures include strengthening the regional secretariat,
reactivating National Platforms, resolving any issues with the former Secretary
General, and organizing the People’s Forum.
b. Increasing WACSOF’s Visibility:
The second part of the plan emphasizes the need to increase WACSOF’s visibility
in addressing regional integration and development issues in West Africa. This will
be achieved through strategic communication efforts, such as strengthening
communication infrastructures and engaging with media through chats,
conducting regular press briefings, and dissemination of useful information to
assist Civil society engagement around regional integration and development in
West Africa through publishing of informative newsletters and information
packages.
c. Reengaging and Strengthening Partnerships:
The third part of the action plan aims to reengage and strengthen partnerships
with WACSOF’s traditional partners, including ECOWAS, the Ford Foundation,
GPPAC, WACSI, as well as establishing collaborations with new partners. This
collaboration will enable WACSOF to leverage shared resources and expertise to
drive meaningful change in the region.
- Participants’ Support and Advice:
During the session, participants expressed their support for Mr. Dabugat’s efforts
in restructuring WACSOF. They commended his vision and committed to assist in
achieving the outlined objectives. Moreover, they provided valuable advice on
strategic approaches to proceed, offering suggestions on areas such as
governance, resource mobilization, and advocacy techniques.
Conclusion:
The WACSOF’ RECONNECT Information Session provided valuable insights into the
current state of the organization and the vision for its future. Mr. Kop’ep
Dabugat’s briefing on the reorganization objectives, action plan, and partnership
strategies demonstrated a clear roadmap for WACSOF’s progress. The support
and advice expressed by the participants signify a shared commitment to the
successful revitalization of WACSOF It is therefore crucial for all stakeholders to
support these efforts to ensure the achievement of WACSOF’s goals and
contribute to positive change in the West Africa region.
