Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Compose the Second Pillar of the State

The role of civil society organisations (CSO) is often undervalued, and yet CSOs are vital for development, disarmament, conflict resolution and the rule of law. Experience from many African nations --- as well as Europe, America and Asia --- provides compelling evidence that civil society plays a fundamental role in social progress. Social capital in Africa is found in and expressed in social organisation: starting with the family, the village community and traditional social organisations such as women's associations, age-groups, hunter initiation associations --- organisations through which Africa was governed for millennia, and which provided forms of democratic governance that have nothing to do with the colonial experience. Civil society also provides some of the basic building blocks that promote good governance. Our recent personal experience of working with CSOs includes India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Cambodia; Nigeria, Ghana, Mali, Liberia and Sierra Leone in West Africa; Cameroon, Kenya, Burundi, DRC and other countries. In the present document we provide a few select examples --- particularly from West Africa --- to illustrate the importance of CSOs and their collective role as Second Pillar of the State in countries where institutions are weak and threat of military rule is real.Structure:What are Civil Society organisations?Traditional and Modern CSOsCivil Society is especially important for expressing the voice of women. Civil society and Social CapitalThe Social EconomyCivil Society is an integral structure – and Second Pillar – of the Nation State Civil Society plays a key role promoting peace and DDRCivil society strengthens good governanceConclusion