Zimbabwe, Mali, Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo

On 22 October 2018, TrustAfrica hosted a panel discussion on "Recent and Prospective Elections in Africa: Zimbabwe, Mali, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo". The panel was held in Dakar, Senegal, on the eve of TrustAfrica's board meeting and, as explained by TrustAfrica Executive Director, Ebrima Sall, was meant to give an opportunity to the board members, to have a conversation with our partners and the general public on some of the key issues related to democratic governance and equitable economic transformation in Africa. In her introductory remarks, Ms. Aicha Ba Diallo, board chair of TrustAfrica, said the panel was an opportunity to look back on recent elections and draw lessons to apply to future elections.

Presidential elections continue to present important tests of democratic consolidation in Africa, particularly in countries emerging from authoritarian rule or conflict. Despite the controversies and contestations that precede or follow elections, peaceful transitions of power in countries like Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia and Burkina Faso have strengthened confidence in the transformative power of electoral contests and the strength of popular participation. Civil society organisations and social movements are playing increasingly important roles not only in monitoring elections (situation rooms and supporting voter participation) but also in keeping the entire electoral process transparent and in compliance with international standards as well as with the constitutions and electoral codes of the countries concerned.  

Recent elections in Zimbabwe and Mali witnessed strong performance of opposition candidates, leading to a historic run-off in Mali and a 50/43 split vote in Zimbabwe between ruling ZANU-PF and opposition MDC. The August 2018 elections in Zimbabwe heralded a new post-Mugabe era, but in many ways reinforced the status quo of ZANU-PF dominance.  In Mali, July 2018 elections witnessed an unprecedented run-off between the top two candidates but ultimately resulted in the victory of the incumbent. In both cases, opposition forces represented viable threats but ultimately failed to achieve electoral victory. The Cameroonian elections of October 2018 also witnessed the resurgence of strong opposition candidates, riding the momentum of social malaise surrounding the 2-years of civil unrest in the anglophone regions of the country. The long awaited elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo present an assortment of viable candidates, especially in the absence of incumbent Joseph Kabila. Participation trends vary across these countries and provide helpful indicators for gauging levels of citizen engagement and political consciousness. These recent tests of African democracies will be discussed and analyzed with a view to informing TrustAfrica’s programming in support of civic participation.

Objectives of the discussion:

• Share reflections and insights on the implications of recent and prospective elections
• Identify priority indicators for levels of democratic consolidation, and priority actions for citizens movements and institutions supporting free, transparent, peaceful, and fair electoral processes
• Raise visibility of the threats and opportunities presented by future elections

Download the Agenda here.
Click here to view the photos of the meeting on Facebook.

L’Observatoire Ivoirien des Droits de l’Homme (OIDH) ouvre une causerie-débat sur l’affaire le Procureur c. Laurent Gbagbo et Charles Blé Goudé le 11 octobre 2018 à Abidjan.

 Les 1 et 2 octobre ont marqué la reprise du procès  le Procureur c. Laurent Gbagbo et Charles Blé Goudé à la Cour Pénale Internationale (CPI). Suspendue à la demande des avocats des accusés, l’audience reprend le 12 novembre2018.

Food systems are a global and immediate priority in the context of climate change, health and resilience. This 3-day conference focuses on the future of food systems in Africa. The conference will explore the complexity, diversity and nutritional value of African food systems and launch an action plan and declaration for change for better food systems geared towards the general public and policymaking bodies including the African Union and the Regional Economic Communities. The first two days will focus on five thematic areas. On the third day, the participants will join with the participants of an organic agriculture conference which follows the food systems event. The combined participants on the third day will number between 400 – 500.

By Amandine Rushenguziminega

The first edition of the Université Populaire de l’Engagement Citoyen (Popular University of Citizens’ Engagement) was launched in Dakar, in July 2018, with the aim of bringing together social movements from the continent to reflect on Africa’s pressing challenges. Discussions turned around the legacy of Pan-Africanism, the political and economic challenges that Africa is currently facing and the need of greater solidarity between citizens. An official continental platform called “Afrikki Platform” has been launched at the end of the one-week event in order to coordinate the different social movements and be the focal point to contact when activists are in danger in order to create chains of solidarity and reactions.

Present:

• Bariton Lezabbey, Communications, and Research Intern
• Christiana Banzorwa, Grants, Monitoring and Evaluation Intern
• Chidinma Chinyere Mbaegbu, Executive Director, COLIDEIN

Objective:

To understand the method used by COLIDEIN on mindset change and attitude reorientation as part of their community engagement strategy when implementing funded projects.

Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) in collaboration with House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes, Open Government Partnership (OGP) and Federal Ministry of Justice and with sponsorship from TrustAfrica held a 2 days leadership training workshop for legislators and staff of the House of Representatives Committee on financial crimes. The workshop held in Abuja between 31 July and 1 August 2018.

With TrustAfrica’s support, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), organised a retreat for Nigerian legislators on NEITI process and remedial issues. The retreat held between 1 and 3 August 2018 at Protea hotel, Kuramo Waters, Lagos. The programme aimed at strengthening legislative engagements on the management and oversight of the extractive sector in Nigeria. It had in attendance members of civil society, legislative aids and legislators, including the Chairs of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Upstream), Senate Committee on Federal Character & Inter-Governmental Relations, and House Committee Petroleum Upstream.

18 August 2018

Rest in Peace Kofi Annan: A true African giant of global leadership 

TrustAfrica learns with great sadness of the passing away of former UN Secretary General and Nobel Peace Prize Laurette Mr. Kofi Annan.

Mr. Annan was a true African giant of global leadership.