My name is Fatoumata, and I am a third-year Political Science and International Development student at McGill University. This summer, I had the amazing opportunity to intern virtually with CDD-Ghana as a research analyst, allowing me to apply my academic research and writing skills. Passionate about democracy and good governance, I aspire to advocate for peaceful, independent African democracies through policy analysis, making this internship a perfect fit.
I worked under the International Desk, applying my background in international relations to understand the international dimension of African politics. My experience was even more rewarding and interesting because it coincided with a crucial time for West Africa, where democratic values, civil society engagement, and a return to constitutional order are more needed than ever. With West Africa increasingly crowded by foreign actors and a rise in military governments threatening democracy, studying and analyzing these events is crucial for promoting good governance and a democratic future for the region. Among my tasks, I created a baseline template to track foreign actors’ engagement in West and Central Africa’s democratization, conducted desk research for a study on foreign influence, and wrote a literature review on West Africa’s geostrategic significance. Additionally, I developed a brief memo on electoral reform in Ghana, exposing me to CDD-Ghana’s significant impact on policy as a non-partisan, independent think tank.
Despite the virtual nature of my internship and the time difference, I felt connected through regular meetings and guidance from my supervisors. In fact, working on the International Desk kept me updated on political developments amid the shifting multipolar order and coup belt in West Africa. Writing articles on political transitions in coup-affected countries, drafting policy recommendations for key stakeholders, and creating a presentation outline for my supervisor’s WADEMOS presentation made me feel directly involved. Hence, this internship enhanced my research and data analysis skills, expanded my knowledge of African politics and political transitions in West Africa, and honed my attention to detail. Likewise, it provided immersive learning opportunities, offering insights into the reality of policy dissemination, the high-quality standards of policy analysis in the African context, and the extensive process of engaging policymakers.
Overall, my internship with CDD-Ghana was invaluable, reinforcing my dedication to democracy and good governance in Africa. I felt part of CDD-Ghana’s mission to bridge the gap between research and practice by empowering ideas, conducting high-quality evidence-based policy research, and disseminating public surveys. This experience has been a cornerstone in my academic and professional journey, solidifying my commitment to contributing to the development of robust democratic institutions in Africa. After completing this internship, I gained professional experience in policy and data analysis, expanded my knowledge of governance, democracy, and political transitions in Africa, and developed a clearer vision of my potential impact with a degree in Political Science and International Development. This experience has shown me the significant change I can contribute to through knowledge, education and advocacy.
Fatoumata Mansare, BA in Political Science and International, McGill University, Canada. Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Development. She is the Vice President of External Communications for McGills’s African Student Society. Her experience includes being a volunteer at Salvation Army, Canada and a social media intern at Aumazo NGO.
