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PAWA names Prof Cherno Omar Barry as its vice president

Jul 23, 2025, 11:09 AM

The Pan-African Writers Association (PAWA) has ushered in a new era of continental literary leadership, following the conclusion of its 2025 General Assembly and elections in Accra, Ghana. Among those elected to the new Council is Professor Cherno Omar Barry of The Gambia, who will serve as Vice President representing West Africa.

Prof Barry was elected unopposed, a decision that reflects his standing among peers across the sub-region. Known for his distinguished work as President of the Writers Association of The Gambia (WAG), Prof Barry has played a vital role in reviving Gambian literary heritage and promoting African narratives rooted in identity, language, and freedom of expression.

The 2025 PAWA elections, which were overseen by an international election committee, produced a largely uncontested slate of candidates, except for the Presidency, which was keenly contested between Prof Bill Ndi of Cameroon and Madam Imela Oyono Ayingono of Equatorial Guinea. Prof Ndi emerged victorious with 62.16% of valid votes.

Prof Barry joins six other Vice Presidents representing Africa’s sub-regions and the Diaspora on the PAWA Council. Together, they will be responsible for steering the Association’s continental agenda for the next three years.

The elections also reaffirmed Dr Wale Okediran of Nigeria as Secretary General, running unopposed. The full Council is now tasked with implementing PAWA’s mission of unifying African writers, fostering literary cooperation, advocating for writers’ rights, and strengthening African literature across linguistic and cultural divides.

List of Elected PAWA Council Members (2025–2028):

President: Prof Bill Ndi (Cameroon/Diaspora)
Vice President (West Africa): Prof Cherno Omar Barry (The Gambia)
Vice President (East Africa): Prof Egara Kabaji (Kenya)
Vice President (Northern Africa): Mr Ashraf Aboul Yazid (Egypt)
Vice President (Southern Africa): Mr Carlos Paradona (Mozambique)
Vice President (Central Africa): Mr Eric Joel Bekale (Gabon)
Vice President (Diaspora): Ms Reyna Lineres Jones
Secretary General: Dr Wale Okediran (Nigeria)

In his acceptance message, Prof Barry reiterated his commitment to advancing literary development in West Africa and across the continent. “We must use literature not only to reflect who we are, but also to shape the future we desire for Africa. I am honoured to serve and look forward to building bridges among writers, especially in West Africa.”

PAWA, founded in 1989 and headquartered in Accra, continues to serve as a unifying voice for African writers and cultural institutions across the continent and in the Diaspora.

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