Ali Jookhun Elected to African Disability Forum at Nairobi Conference

Ali Jookhun, the President of the African Down Syndrome Network (ADSN), has been elected as a member of the African Disability Forum (ADF) during the Africa Disability Conference held from September 1 to September 5 in Nairobi, Kenya. The ADF serves as the continental organization representing disability organizations across Africa.

Established in 2014, its mission is to amplify and unify the voices of Africans with disabilities, their families, and related organizations.

Expressing his gratitude, Jookhun stated, “I am deeply honored and thankful for the trust that the ADF has placed in me by electing me as a member representing families with individuals with disabilities for the next four years.

The election was indeed competitive, with a close call between Mr. Abullahi from Nigeria and myself, ultimately ending with 18 votes to 23 in my favor.”

Given the vastness and diversity of the African continent, it is challenging for a single organization to fully represent this wide array of experiences and perspectives.

To address this, the ADF collaborated with various existing organizations, networks, and initiatives to ensure that diverse voices are included.

The organization is committed to being inclusive, engaging with, and reflecting the views of all pan-African, sub-regional, and national federations.

As an independent and democratic body, the ADF placed a strong emphasis on the participation of women and youth with disabilities in all its structures and activities.

Its governance structure is designed to be streamlined, consisting of a nine-member executive council.

The ADF is working closely with organizations that share its mission of advancing the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities throughout Africa.

Source: Le Mauricien