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
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