Introductory Remarks
by CoDA Chairperson
Excellencies I would like to first of all warmly welcome you to this discussion forum convened by the Coalition for Dialogue on Africa (CoDA), which I am honoured to Chair. We have gathered this afternoon to discuss a very pertinent topic, the state of democratic trends and transitions in Africa, towards the end of what has been a truly momentous year in this city, Tunis, this nation, Tunisia and across the North African sub-region as whole. It has without doubt been a period of intense and dynamic transition during which the cry for true democracy, voiced by millions of North Africans, has reverberated in all corners of the African continent and also been heard around the world. Since, the establishment of CoDA two years ago, my fellow board members and I have agreed that it would be important for the organization to engage in some way in the discussion and promotion of good governance in Africa as one of its initial priorities. Today’s forum has therefore been organized within that context. Additionally, our chosen location, Tunis, is clearly most appropriate as we will be exchanging views on issues that are at the centre of the societal dialogue that is also taking place right outside these walls and in many, many other countries, in the wake of the so called “Arab Spring”. We, at CoDA are now seeking to add our support to the ongoing efforts to push the democracy and good governance agenda through stimulating an interactive investigation of where Africa, as a region, now stands in 2011 vis a vis the genuine entrenchment of democracy. In my view, the definition of democracy expressed by Abraham Lincoln in 1863 as “Government of the people, by the people, for the people”, is still highly relevant in conceptual terms. At the same time, however, it is also useful within the African context today to highlight several other factors when reviewing and assessing the democratic credentials of governments, states and societies. Key among these are issues surrounding the socioeconomic, political and cultural conditions of the population, the freedom of speech and expression, the freedom of assembly, authentic unhindered political competition and elections, and, above all, whether or not the national democratic processes are judged by ALL to have allowed the will of the people to prevail. Of course, in any contest there are always winners and losers. That said, there are several critical questions to pose these days in a continent, which has a such a large youth population. For example: Are the democratic conditions on the ground such that a young African feels that she or he has a future here, at home? A future where they are able to express themselves, and use their innate talents to reach their potentials and achieve their dreams? Or do they feel that they are more likely to have a better future elsewhere, because of a feeling that the “space” at home is too closed and the rules of the game rigged in favour of others, often a small ruling elite?? And; Is the prevailing democratic situation one where the immense illiterate majority of our population (women, peasants) feels that each of them has a voice and that their views are taken into account? Or do they seem left out and marginalized? I look forward very much to hearing your perspectives and answers to these questions this afternoon. Ladies and Gentlemen My humble experience has taught me that political leaders and governments can best work in the interests of our people and societies if they follow a genuine democratic path. However, life has also taught me that democracy is not a perfect thing. It takes hard work, persistence and constant vigilance to stay on the democratic path and to continue to entrench it in a polity. Dialogue and debate are important handmaidens of democracy and many societal endeavours involving multiple actors. Napoleon Bonaparte once said, and I quote:
In that context, CoDA’s work focuses on promoting dialogue and debate that leverages the ideas of diverse groups of expert stakeholders. We provide a platform for African policy makers representatives from civil society, media and private sector organizations, as well as international friends of Africa, to engage in interactive discussions on some of the more hot and contentious topic facing the continent. Nevertheless, we aim to be more than just “a talking shop”. After our CoDA dialogues we want to use our comparative advantage to advocate and lobby effectively for policy action by bringing new ideas and concrete recommendations to the attention of African leaders who have the power to push for the necessary change. Although we are well aware that CoDA does not have any power to compel policy change, we do believe that this new initiative can gain a degree of respect and plenty of influence through its independence and willingness to speak openly with courage. Since our launch in Addis Ababa in 2009 we have convened a dialogue forum on “Africa’s Response to the Global Financial Crisis”, here in Tunis, and organized a Seminar on Transnational Trafficking and Political Instability in Africa, in Abuja. Last year, we organised a policy forum on “Financing Regional Integration in Africa” on 25th May 2010, Africa Day; and, this year; we jointly convened two forums, with the African Land Policy Initiative, in Lisbon and Nairobi, in June and September respectively, to discuss the highly emotive issue of rising major land investments in Africa’s agricultural sector, which have been termed “land grabs” by some critics. I have been most pleased by the interactive nature and action orientated focus of all the discussions I have participated in so far. I have no doubt that today’s dialogue will be just as rich, insightful and educative. I therefore look forward to engaging with you all this afternoon as we discuss a very interesting and opportune theme. Thank you for your attention.
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