The GFN: Honored Abroad than at Home?

As the run up to the Addis course was in full gear, news came that sounded a kind of death-knell for the GFN-SSR.The Global Facilitation Network/GFN/ for SSR helped initiate SSR conferences around the continent and strengthen SSR Networks and support SSR processes and institutions. I am sorry to state that the training in Addis could be the last major event run by the GFN in the African continent, as the organization may soon leave the scene.

It is not the first time that we heard the possible demise of GFN-SSR. However, this time around its future- in its present form- is surely clouded in uncertainty as the decision comes reportedly after several reviews commissioned by the UK Department for Foreign International Development/DFID/. Understandably, the news has generated reactions from several SSR experts and organizations. GFN was the big tent that used to deal and partner with different networks; promote SSR through information sharing, and capacity building. For one, the GFN was instrumental in the formation of the ASSN in Elmina, Ghana in 2003.

The GFN-SSR played an important role in disseminating SSR by creating an online library on SSR developments, including valuable information on SSR in Africa’s sub-regions, such as the one on ‘Beginners Guide on SSR in East Africa’ (that I personally helped develop). Those working in the GFN fully deserve our sympathy and support. The CA joins colleagues in the ASSN in thanking the staff of GFN for all they have done, not least for the ASSN. As professor Eboe has emphatically stated ‘we all mourn the passing of a close partner’. However, its achievements are well written and long-lasting; so all will not be in vain. The SSR Networks created due to GFN, particularly those in Africa, are determined to write a new one and ready to match its achievements. Probably, the GFN shares the fate of other organizations i.e being honored abroad more than at home.