The Youth Leadership and Democratic Transitions in Africa regional meeting was held on March 12-14, 2015 in Dakar, Senegal and brought democracy activists together to discuss the path forward for emerging African democracy movements.

The meeting featured plenary sessions and workshops to discuss:

• the role of civil society and political society in building democracy movements;
• fostering cross-border collaboration among civil society activists;
• civil society engagement in consitutional reform proceses;
• and lessons learned from recent democratic transitions in Africa.

The goal of the meeting was to build out the “Action Program for Democracy” developed during last August’s meeting and address the developments from the recent consolidation of Senegal’s democracy and Burkina Faso’s transitional process.

Agenda

Thursday, March 12

18:00 – 18:30 Registration
18:30 – 19:00 Welcome Remarks
19:00 – 20:00 Intergenerational Conversation
20:00 – 21:00 Welcome Dinner

Friday, March 13

9:00 – 10:30 Plenary Session: Role of African Youth in Democratic Transitions.
Case Studies: Senegal & Burkina Faso
10:30 – 11:00
Coffee Break

11:00 – 12:30 Plenary Session: What is at Stake? Youth and the Struggle for Democracy.
12:30 – 14:00
Lunch

14:00 – 17:00 Workshop 1: What should be the relationship between civil society organizations and political parties?

Civil society and political parties are both important for building democratic culture and institutions. However, they do not always work in a complementary manner. Participants will examine existing space and opportunities for civil society actors and political actors to engage with each other to mobilize democratic forces and build democratic institutions.

Workshop 2: Developing a toolbox for democratic transitions.

Social media has played an important and constructive role in preventing electoral violence and facilitating democratic transitions in sub-Saharan Africa. This session will take a look forward, drawing upon lessons learned from election observation, violence prevention, and community mobilization.

Saturday, March 14

9:30 – 12:30 Workshop 3: Fostering cross-border collaboration among civil society activists

Building solidarity and exchanging information and experiences have always been important for strengthening democracy movements. Using various technologies and communication tools available today, many civil society activists, especially young people, are increasingly communicating and sharing ideas across borders. During this workshop, participants will exchange experiences in cross-border collaboration and share ideas for strengthening their networks. Collaboration with regional, continental and international organizations, such as the ECOWAS, the SADC, the AU, and the UN will also be addressed.

Workshop 4: Civil society engagement in constitutional reform and electoral processes

In October last year, a popular uprising in Burkina Faso led to the departure of then-President Blaise Compaore, who attempted to extend his term in office. In January this year, students led protests in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, to voice their concerns over the Parliament’s proposed legislation allowing the extension of the President’s term there as well. These events indicate rising tensions between citizens and those who seek to hold on to their power in various countries in Africa. However, numerous civil society groups have been seeking to engage in constitutional reform processes to protect democratic principles and institutions. Free and fair electoral processes are also critical for preventing such holds on power. The workshop will thus provide an opportunity for participants to share their experiences and strategies in these efforts.

12:30 – 14:00 Lunch
14:00 – 15:30 Plenary Session: Perspectives On the Way Forward
15:30 – 16:00 Closing Remarks
16:00 – 17:00 Break
17:00 – 19:00 Closing Reception

The meeting was organized by the World Movement of Democracy in partnership with IRI, NDI, Solidarity Center, and CIPE and with the sponsorship of Freedom House and OSIWA.