ACPST course: Uprisings and democratic governance

This training course will compare different governance models and examine the correlation between popular uprising and the likelihood of good governance.

Date: 2015-04-20 to 2015-04-24

Venue: Mwanza Tanzania

Application deadline: 27 March 2015
Language of instruction: English only. Applicants must be highly proficient in English.

The African Centre for Peace and Security Training (ACPST) is mandated to enhance the ability of practitioners to make and implement policies that improve human security in Africa primarily through short courses and workshops. The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) created the Centre in 2011 with support from the Geneva Centre for Security Policy.

The ISS is an African organisation which aims to enhance human security on the continent. It does independent and authoritative research, provides expert policy analysis and advice, and delivers practical training and technical assistance. 

The ISS has staff from 13 African countries working from offices in South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia and Senegal.

Course description: Historically, insurgent groups and liberation movements contributed significantly to the dissolution of authoritarian regimes and helped establish democratically elected governments. However, the motivations of such groups are becoming less clear, yet their impact on governance is far-reaching. Understanding how to manage popular uprisings requires critical analysis.

This course aims to conduct an in-depth comparison between different governance models, and examine the correlation between popular uprising and the likelihood of good governance, paying particular attention to the increasing role of African civil society organisations in the African governance structure. Mechanisms for managing popular uprisings will be explored.

Course participants: State and non-state actors, including those from private, public and not-for-profit sectors working on democratic governance within the context of human security in Africa will be competitively selected. Policy makers and practitioners advocating for democratic governance, the promotion of transitional justice and victims’ rights are particularly encouraged to apply.

How to apply: Email [email protected] by 27 March 2015 using the subject line ‘Uprisings and governance’ with these two attachments (MS Word or PDF formats only):

1. A cover letter explaining how and why this course is relevant to your professional activities
2. A complete CV with your contact information and contact details of two referees

Participants’ obligations: The receipt of a certificate is dependent on full attendance and active participation in the course. All participants must ensure that they sign the attendance register for each day of the course. Only names that appear on the register for the duration of the course will be eligible for a certificate.

Funding: The ACPST will fund up to 25 participants from across Africa. The funds will cover:

• Economy class return ticket from the participant’s closest international airport to Tanzania
• Accommodation on a ‘bed and breakfast’ basis and lunch on training days
• Local transport for Tanzanians coming from outside Mwanza, to the hotel
• Tuition: ACPST charges no tuition or registration fee for any of its courses

What ACPST does not cover

The ACPST does not provide per diems to participants. All participants accepted for the course will be fully responsible for obtaining their visas and medical insurance. ACPST will support international participants with an acceptance letter to assist with obtaining a visa for entry to Tanzania.