Update on the African Democracy Forum

The African Democracy Forum (ADF) is an African regional network of democracy, human rights, and governance organizations that seek to consolidate democracy in Africa by providing opportunities for democrats to openly express their views.  The ADF serves as a platform to build solidarity and exchange of resources among members, and supports membership empowerment.
 
Recently, the ADF has partnered with the Institute for Democracy in Africa (IDASA) on an initiative to build the momentum needed to support the ratification of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance by Member States.  The Charter, adopted by the Africa Union in January 2007, marks a significant step forward for the African Union as an actor promoting democratic governance on the Continent, and it offers a unique opportunity for African stakeholders to consolidate the democratic gains that they have made and ensure governments engage in democratic practice. However, in order for the Charter to come into force, 15 countries need to ratify it.  
 
For more information on the Charter: www.africa-union.org/root/AU/Documents/Treaties/text/Charter%20on%20Democracy.pdf  
 
Additionally, the ADF launched a newly designed Web site to strengthen network communication.  The Web site includes statements and alerts on troubling developments in the region. Most recently, a statement was issued to condemn the violent repression against oppositionists in Guinea.  In that case, the ADF has demanded communication between the opposition and government and a full, independent investigation into the violence. Statements were also issued to raise awareness of the escalating attacks against journalists and media organizations in Somalia and of the arrest of human rights leader, Robert Ilunga Numbi, in the DRC.  
 
To view the new Web site, go to: http://africandemocracyforum.org 

(From December 2009 edition of DemocracyNews, the Newsletter of the World Movement for Democracy)