THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2024 45 Mark Palmer Award for the Advancement of Democracy Mark Wilson Championing Democracy and Peace in Senegal In 2024, Mark Wilson, a Foreign Service officer with USAID, was honored with the prestigious Mark Palmer Award for the Advancement of Democracy, in recognition of his exceptional efforts in strengthening democratic processes and fostering peace in Senegal. As the director of USAID/Senegal’s Democracy, Rights, Governance, and Peace (DRGP) office, Wilson has demonstrated leadership over the past five years that has been instrumental in preserving democracy and ensuring the peaceful transfer of power in a region increasingly troubled by coups and military takeovers. Wilson’s experience in navigating challenging elections across Africa—including in Guinea, Kenya, and Uganda—proved invaluable when Senegal faced a constitutional crisis. The nation’s hard-won stability teetered on the brink when former President Macky Sall signaled his intention to run for an unconstitutional third term but, later, canceled the presidential elections scheduled for February 2024. Wilson assembled a 25-person interagency team to craft strategic recommendations on program management, policy engagement, and messaging. His successful advocacy for continued support reinforced democratic processes at a time when distrust between the electorate and the executive was escalating. Understanding the critical role of civil society and transparent elections, Wilson secured an additional $1 million in supplemental funding to bolster electoral support. He worked closely with implementing partners to expand local initiatives that promoted peaceful protests and voter education. By doubling the number of accredited local election observers to 1,000, he significantly reinforced transparency on election day. His diplomatic finesse ensured that USAID’s electoral support project maintained its neutrality and credibility, even amid violent protests and political unrest. “I believe I was nominated for this award for my ability to work with Senegalese officials, civil society, and the interagency to assess and influence an extremely challenging electoral process,” Wilson says. “I’m particularly grateful to both the American and Senegalese staff that supported me and instilled a level of confidence that allowed me to take certain risks to achieve results.” In August 2023, when the former Senegalese president requested U.S. assistance to reinforce a newly signed peace agreement with a separatist movement in the Casamance region, Wilson took the lead in formulating a response. He launched sensitive and discreet negotiations to determine feasible support, ultimately securing $5 million in conflict mitigation funding from USAID/Washington. This investment facilitated the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of approximately 200 combatants and community members, paving the way to end one of Africa’s longest-standing conflicts and reinforcing the U.S. partnership with Senegal. “Having the recognition of my peers and being nominated by my colleague from the Department of State is one of the highest honors I have ever received,” Wilson says. “I’ve been privileged throughout my career to work with ambassadors and political officers who have challenged and supported me. I’m most grateful to my peers and colleagues who have influenced, mentored, and pushed me in ways that have allowed me to make a difference.” Having the recognition of my peers and being nominated by my colleague from the Department of State is one of the highest honors I have ever received. —MARK WILSON Mark Wilson Mark Wilson (left) with the Department of Kanel Prefect Maguette Diouck and USAID Governance Specialist Samba Ba in Senegal. USAID/J. LITTLE
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