Examining Democracy, Governance, and Peacebuilding in Africa

Africa’s political, social, and economic landscape is changing rapidly, and the continent can no longer be ignored in global conversations. Several projections highlight Africa’s potential to become a prominent player in global geopolitics. However, amidst these projections also lies a growing population of citizens, particularly youth, who are becoming increasingly disillusioned by Africa’s governance challenges. 

This session examined the state of leadership in Africa, and how the continent is projecting its voice (or not) in the global context. It discussed the situation with constituencies on the continent currently in spaces of transition (i.e., youth), and explore opportunities for intergenerational dialogue/cooperation to promote leadership that is responsive to Africa’s domestic needs and changing global profile. The address was followed by a fireside chat moderated by the Director of the Africa Program at the Wilson Center. 

Welcome Remarks: Dr. Sandy Africa, Associate Professor, Department of Political Sciences, University of Pretoria

SVNP Introductory Remarks: Dr. Vuyo Mjimba, Acting Research Director, Human Sciences Research Council

Moderator: Ms. Oge Onubogu, Director, Africa Program, Wilson Center

Address: Dr. Annie Barbara Chikwanha, Associate Professor, Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Johannesburg

This session examined the nature of the African State and the opportunities and challenges to active citizen engagement, particularly youth engagement. Participants will explore why the State and a well-organized civil society are crucial for a prosperous and democratic society. Panelists identified and discussed continental policies, such as the AU Agenda 2063 which recognizes that people’s ownership and mobilization are critical enablers to realizing Africa’s aspirations. They discussed opportunities and challenges to creating more spaces for the voices of youth and women in Africa’s democratic governance agenda. The session also explored changes in citizen organizing and social movements that are disrupting the status quo across Africa.   

Moderator: 

Dr. Chris Isike, Director of the African Centre for the Study of the United States, University of Pretoria

Speakers: 

Prof. Eldred Masunungure, Principal Investigator, Afrobarometer

Mr. Kehinde Togun, Managing Director, Public Engagement, Humanity United

Dr. Annie Barbara Chikwanha, Associate Professor, Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Johannesburg

Several major elections will be conducted across the African continent in 2023 and 2024. This session examined how African countries can move from electoral democracy to inclusive political processes. As the internet and social media increasingly empower Africa’s youthful population to become politically active, this session advanced the ongoing debates on democratic backsliding in Africa. It examined some of the legitimate grievances that may underpin so much of the rising insecurity and citizen disillusion with democracy. This session explored the internal and external drivers of democratic backsliding in Africa, and proffer focused and context specific strategies to counter backsliding and promote stability. 

Moderator: 

Dr. Edem Selormey, Director of Research, Center for Democratic Development (CDD)

Speakers:

Dr. Eze Chuwuemeka, Executive Director, West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP)

Ms. Tiseke Kasambala, Director of Africa Programs, Freedom House

Mr. Nhlanhla Ngwenya, Managing Director, Public Engagement, Open Society Foundation

This session identified and tackled key challenges to governance in Africa, particularly within the context of achieving the different continental goals outlined in the AU Agenda 2030 and 2063. It examined how governance can be conceptualized to have legitimacy and meaning for both African political elites and local populations. It examined how African citizens, African governments, and international partners can foster the ambition, initiative and creativity required to push the continent towards its governance potential, particularly within the changing global landscape. This session also examined the relevance of sustaining peace to the transformational governance on the continent and will discuss/explore examples of what “sustaining peace” through governance looks like in practice. 

Moderator: 

Ms. Juliet Were, Deputy Executive Director, Women’s International Peace Centre (WIPC)

Speakers:

Dr. Jakkie Cilliers, Head of the African Futures and Innovation (AFI) Program, Institute for Security Studies (ISS)

Dr. Cyril Obi, Director, African Peacebuilding Network