The power of social movement: Africa Drive for Democracy
Zanzibar | Arusha | Pretoria – As Africa weathers existential challenges that significantly threaten her future democratic trajectory, including declining commitment to good governance, weakened solidarity, and resignation to neoliberalism, the urgency to address critical issues and foster sustainable democratic progress is paramount. Against this backdrop, the Africa Drive for Democracy Elders Retreat and Annual Conference, slated for July 17-21, is being held to facilitate meaningful dialogue, engage grassroots movements, provide opportunities for collaboration and innovation in order to deliver on democratic dividends and relieve citizens’ despondency.
This annual gathering of the continent’s pro-democracy community in Arusha, Tanzania, brings together delegates from more than 45 African nations, comprising former Heads of State, scholars, leaders of political parties, movements, and professional associations, and active citizens.
The Africa Drive for Democracy week will commence with the inaugural Elders Retreat, 17 - 18 July. The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan has been invited to officially open the retreat which will be chaired by former President Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone. Other key delegates include former President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, former President Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique, and former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn of Ethiopia.
During the retreat, these esteemed leaders will draw upon their extensive and practical experience to delve into multiple crises facing the continent , reflect on their implications on the state of democracy on the continent and propose innovative strategies to overcome them. Their reflections and insights will subsequently contribute to the advancement of an agenda for democratization on the African continent.
The ensuing Africa Drive for Democracy Annual conference, 19 - 21 July will build on the inaugural conference and aims to once again provide a platform for participants to critically assess the progress and challenges in achieving democratic governance on the continent in the midst of multiple crises. This year’s theme focuses on the role of social movements in promoting democracy on the continent. Discussions will explore the historical and contemporary role of social movements and co-create the continental democratic trajectory based on credible data and evidence debated during the conference.
The insights and strategies proposed by these experienced and reputed participants will serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, activists, and stakeholders who are dedicated to promoting and sustaining democracy in Africa. The Africa Drive for Democracy week provides an ideal platform for these discussions, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among African nations, and ultimately aiming to enhance democratic values and practices across the continent. The initiative is driven by the commitment to build a strong community, leadership, concrete action and a strong network in support of the democratization agenda in 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, The Open Society Foundations (OSF) Africa, Friedrich Naumann Foundation, Humanity United, and Freedom House.
For detailed information about the conference, visit: www.africadrivefordemocracy.com
For media inquiries, contact:
Catherine Mossi
Communications Officer
MS TCDC
mossic@mstcdc.or.tz
+255 748 068 374