Africa Drive for Democracy Conference explores the power of social movements
Strong, organised civil societies hold the key to achieving sustainable democratic progress across the continent.
Zanzibar, Arusha and Pretoria – Democracy in Africa is threatened by a declining commitment to good governance, an intolerance of political opposition and weak accountability among those in power. Sustainable democratic progress is paramount, and strong, organised civil societies hold the key.
The Africa Drive for Democracy Elders Retreat and Annual Conference from 17-21 July will facilitate dialogue and engage grassroots movements, giving citizens an opportunity to be heard and to collaborate and innovate on strengthening democracy.
This annual gathering of the continent’s pro-democracy community in Arusha, Tanzania, brings together delegates from more than 45 African nations, including former heads of state, academics, leaders of political parties, social movements, professional associations and active citizens.
The event begins with the inaugural Elders Retreat from 17-18 July. Drawing on their extensive practical experience, several leaders will consider the many crises facing Africa, what they mean for democracy, and how they can be overcome.
Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan will open the retreat, which will be chaired by former president of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma. Participants include former president Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, former president Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique, and former prime minister Hailemariam Desalegn of Ethiopia. Several distinguished delegates will also join the elders in discussing the state of democracy on the continent.
From 19-21 July, the annual conference will assess the role of social movements in promoting democracy. Participants will explore historical and contemporary trends based on the latest data, and propose strategies for reviving Africa’s democratic trajectory.
The gathering provides a valuable platform for policymakers and democracy activists to hear each other’s views, learn from shared experiences and collaborate to strengthen democratic values and practices. The initiative is driven by a commitment to building strong networks and leadership, and taking concrete action in support of democracy across Africa.
The conference is co-hosted by the Center for Strategic Litigation, MS Training Centre for Development Cooperation, and the Institute for Security Studies, with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, Ford Foundation, Open Society Foundations (OSF)-Africa, Friedrich Naumann Foundation, Humanity United and Freedom House.
For details about the conference, visit: www.africadrivefordemocracy.com
For media inquiries, contact: Catherine Mossi, MS TCDC: [email protected], +255 748 068 374
