African experts convene for ‘A Way Forward for Democracy in Africa’ conference
Over the 24th and 25th of May, the African Democracy Forum in partnership with Never Again Rwanda, hosted a two-day conference under the theme ‘Democracy in Africa: A Way Forward’, which brought together representatives of African governments, African Union Ambassadors and Civil Society actors among other experts in Democracy from across the continent.
The conference aimed to deal with the impact, role and importance of democracy in Africa, asking the question, what does democracy mean to Africa, and how do its people experience it on a daily basis? Different panels under varied topics were hosted; democracy, social media, judicial organs, media, youth, women, access to information.
Democracy:
In his opening remarks, the CEO of Rwanda Governance Board Prof. Anastase Shyaka focused on the need for strengthening the presence of democratic values in Africa, referencing the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, as a consequence of government acting under a false pretense of being democratic. “The preparation and commission of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, is entirely linked to the failures of democratic processes and the wrong footing of what was called a democracy”. He added that “Democracy should not be a mere end in itself but first of all a vehicle to greater socio-economic development”
Zimbabwean human rights lawyer and activist and Director UHAI Africa Ltd, Brian Kagoro called for concerted efforts to mold a democratic structure for all. “Instead of being model mercenaries or model missionaries, we need to work with the leaders, institutions and the ideas we have to make a democratic structure that is inclusive, transformative and developmental”
This was reiterated by the Director of the Institute of Research and Dialogue for Peace (IRDP) Dr. Eric Ndushabandi who said: “Whatever happens, democracy is much more likely to work when it is home-grown.” He further mentioned that democracy is a synergy of political might but centered on the people. “The consolidation of democracy begins with the people, but is highly dependent on the ability of leaders to institutionalize democratic practices in order for them to unfold in society.”
Judiciary and political parties
Panelists noted that an independent judicial system can be one of the key components for consolidating democracy. “It is essential for democratic consolidation that the judicial system shows independence vis-a-vis the ruling party”. Dr. Andre Mbata Mangu, Founder of the Institute for Democracy, Governance, Peace, and Development in Africa
Dr. Pierre Flambeau, a Senator from Cameroon said that “democracy is not only political will but also has different ingredients such as free and fair elections, rule of law, respect of human rights, accountability, and an independent judicial system.”
Panelists also highlighted that political parties are a critical institution that provide avenues for accountability as well as the burgeoning field for social accountability.
Civil Society
Regarding the role of CSOs in democratization in Africa, the country representative for international Alert in Rwanda and Burundi, Betty Mutesi, called on Civil Society organizations to reclaim their space on the continent if people are to be served as they ought to. “Civil society Organizations need to devise mechanisms on how to rise above and survive their shrinking space on the continent and push agenda of democratization”.
Dr. Joseph Ryarasa Nkurunziza, who doubles as the Chairperson of ADF and Executive Director of Never Again Rwanda reiterated the need for CSOs to work together in te journey to democratization in Africa. “We shouldn’t allow the space for civil society to shrink. Let’s therefore work together with our governments, supporting each other to drive the conversation of democratization in Africa”. Betty Mutesi echoed; “When we continue competitions as Civil Society actors, the state, donors and other people will question our legitimacy, let us collaborate for the sake of our beneficiaries
Dr. Chukwuemeka B. Eze, West Africa Network for Peace building, Ghana, mentioned the necessary independence for civil society if they are to effectively play their role in the democratic governance for Africa. “The only way the civil society organizations can make an impact is if they are interdependent and unique”.
The participants ended day 1 with a visit to the parliamentary museum for the campaign against Genocide, which provided exposure to the finer details of how the campaign against genocide was executed by RPF/A following the withdrawal of the UN.
Media
With a presentation on Democracy dies in darkness, Andrew Karamagi Public Interest Lawyer, Social Justice Advocate, Youth leader, said that “a free media makes for a healthy democracy, right to information is so important because, in the absence of knowing, people can’t participate or take informed decisions”
Mr. Gilbert Sendugwa, Executive Director: Africa Freedom of Information Centre, Uganda said that “social media empowers young people to participate in democratization but also solve a wide range of challenges that governments are facing in terms of engaging citizens in the decisions.”
However, Brian Kagoro called for the need to go beyond counting the number of followers or likes one gets and count how many revolutionary minded tweets and posts are produced on social media
Youth and women
Introducing the youth and women panel was a drama performance by Isoko arts dubbed #WOYOCRCACY. “We are not too young to run the important things; we believe in ourselves, we believe in our potential, the time has come to fully engage youth and women”
Ms Adama Dicko urged governments to build a strong bond with their citizens through engaging youth and women in the democratic governance. “Mobilizing young people and women for effective and responsible participation creates more links between citizens and the government”
Recommendations
Some of the key recommendations from the conference included the continental utilization of home-grown solutions, an increased emphasis on inclusive governance, a focus on transformative development instead of short-term, and an emphasis on taking into account the dimension of identity when trying to implement democratic practices in our African countries.
In closing the conference, Ambassador Frederic Gateretse-Ngoga, Head of the Conflict Prevention and Early Warning Division at the African Union, called for the reclaiming of our African values which reject the normalization of intolerance and impunity. He noted that ending the ongoing conflicts across the continent would go a long way in assisting the pursuit of democratization across the continent. “The challenge for our generation will be to reclaim our values. African values that reject the normalization of intolerance and impunity. African values that promote unity.”
The conference was ended with the launch of the youth competition, through the means of video/images to share what youth think are the challenges to democracy in their countries. The best 5 entries will go for a 2 day trip at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.