ABOUT ASI: PANELS

TFF in the News

ABOUT ASI: PANELS
African Statesmen Initiative, Bamako, Mali
June 5-8, 2005

Panel I: Leadership, Security, and Conflict Management (Monday, 11:30 am)

Former African Heads of State bring a unique and powerful perspective to challenges of security and conflict management across the continent. Their leadership experience could assist in overcoming obstacles to human security, including endemic poverty, widespread disease, weak governance and environmental neglect. A growing number of African leaders have taken a stand to promote peace, stability and development, although others have remained benign or obstructed efforts to foster reconciliation, social investments and economic progress.

Expert panelists will examine the effects of weak democratic institutions and the politics of exclusion, outlining actions that could reverse negative trends and incentives that could consolidate the positive efforts of statesmen. Such incentives include the creation of opportunities to showcase the experience and expertise of democratic African leaders, particularly within the context of sub-regional and regional organizations, and the institutionalization of post-tenure consultation.

MODERATOR:

DR. CHRIS FOMUNYOH, Senior Associate for Africa, National Democratic Institute

Dr. Chris Fomunyoh is currently the Senior Associate for Africa at the National Democratic Institute. He has organized and advised international election observation missions and has designed and supervised country specific democracy support programs with civic organizations, political parties and legislative bodies in many African countries. Dr. Fomunyoh is perfectly bilingual in English and French. He holds a Licence en Droit from Yaoundй University in Cameroon, a Master's Degree (LL.M.) in International Law from Harvard Law School, and a Ph.D. in Political Science from Boston University. Dr. Fomunyoh is an adjunct professor of African Politics and Government at Georgetown University, and adjunct faculty at the African Center for Strategic Studies.

PANELISTS:

H.E. JERRY JOHN RAWLINGS, former President of Ghana (1979 and 1981-1992

Jerry John Rawlings first came to power in 1979 as Chairman of the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council. He handed over power to a civilian administration four months later when the Council organized elections. In 1981, Rawlings returned to office, and he restored multiparty politics in Ghana in 1992. He won the 1992 and 1996 presidential elections as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate. Rawlings was awarded the 1993 World Hunger Prize and was named a United Nations Eminent Person for the International Year of Volunteers in 2001. After leaving office, Rawlings was appointed United Nations Special Representative on sexually transmitted diseases, and he has led the way for effective mobilization of resources and field medical treatment for buruli ulcer, guinea worm and malaria patients.

H.E. AMOS SAWYER, former President of Liberia (1990-1994)

Amos Sawyer became President of Liberia's Interim Government of National Unity in 1990 as the country went through a tumultuous period of civil war. A seven-nation mediation committee convened by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at the time to negotiate a cease-fire selected Sawyer for this post. Since retiring from Liberian politics, Sawyer returned to academia and is currently Research Scholar and Associate Director at Indiana University's (US) Workshop in Political Theory and Policy Analysis.

AMBASSADOR AHMEDOU OULD-ABDALLAH, United Nations Special Representative to the Secretary-General for West Africa

Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah was appointed United Nations Special Representative to the Secretary-General for West Africa in September 2002. In this capacity, he has focused heavily on the Ivorian crisis, representing the Secretary-General throughout the Marcoussis negotiations. He also represented the Secretary-General at the ECOWAS-led peace negotiations on Liberia in Accra in July 2003, and he has played a leadership role in discussing strategies for promoting peace and stability in the sub-region with ECOWAS leaders. Ould-Abdallah is also the Chairman of the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission, which was established in November 2002, and which holds bimonthly meetings in Yaoundй and Abuja.

GENERAL (RET.) CARLTON W. FULFORD, JR., Director, Africa Center for Strategic Studies

General Fulford has been Director of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies since 2003. He retired from the Marine Corps in February 2003 with the rank of General after serving as Deputy Commander of the U.S. European Command, a position that included extensive work on U.S.-Africa relations and travel throughout Africa. Prior to this position, he served in the Pacific and the Gulf as Commanding General, Commanding Officer and as Director and Vice Director of the Joint Staff, and received many medals for his distinguished service. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he holds a Master's degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He also graduated from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, a strategic component of the National Defense University.

Panel II: Observer Missions and Election Standards (Monday, 2:45 pm)

Former Heads of State bring particular leadership and expertise to election observation missions, not least of which is their personal experience in running for elected office. Several controversial elections on the continent in recent times highlight the need for effective election monitoring efforts. Additionally, Africans are increasingly holding their elections to higher standards. The influence of these former Heads of State and their stature across the continent provide them with a platform from which to promote transparent, democratic elections and reforms that can build citizen confidence in the electoral process. These efforts would be informed by a review of international and regional standards and norms regarding democratic election processes.

Several participating leaders have contributed greatly to the field of election reform and observation, and will share their views on current challenges to credible elections on the continent. Experts from partner organizations will discuss the emerging consensus on the need to harmonize election standards and to further strengthen election monitoring efforts worldwide.

MODERATOR:

MR. SAMUEL KIVUITU, Chairman, Electoral Commission of Kenya

Samuel Kivuitu, a former Member of Parliament, is the current Chairman of the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK). A member of the Kenya Africa National Union (KANU) party and a lawyer by profession, Mr. Kivuitu has been immersed in politics since 1964, when he was a student leader at the University of Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. Having served on a number of international observation missions, including the United Nations observation in South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994, Mr. Kivuitu was appointed as a member of the Electoral Commission in 1992 and served as Vice-Chair in 1996, before his appointment as Chairman in December 1997. Mr. Kivuitu has won the admiration of the international community for having exhibited exceptional leadership skills in guiding the ECK through Kenya's political transition.

PANELISTS:

H.E. NICЙPHORE D. SOGLO, former President of Benin (1991-1996)

Nicйphore D. Soglo, an economist and former World Bank official, was elected President of Benin in 1991 and held this post until 1996. Since leaving office, Soglo has used his World Bank experience to contribute to economic policy studies in sub-Saharan Africa. He also was a Presidential Fellow in Residence at Harvard University and has co-led several international election monitoring delegations. He has been mayor of Cotonou since 2003.

H.E. ALBERT ZAFY,former President of Madagascar (1993-1996)

Albert Zafy was elected President of Madagascar in 1993 in an election that marked Madagascar's return to civilian rule after decades of military rule. Prior to his presidency, Zafy was nominated 1991 to lead a transitional body responsible for drafting the constitution that restored a multiparty system in Madagascar. Under his leadership, the coalition of opposition parties, "Living Forces," successfully led the movement towards democracy in the country. He has remained in the medical profession since leaving office.

H.E. MIGUEL TROVOADA, former President of Sao Tome and Principe (1991-2001)

Miguel Trovoada was elected President of Sao Tome and Principe in 1991 in the country's first multiparty elections. He was reelected for a second term in 1996 and stepped down from power in 2001, as required by the constitution. During his presidency, Trovoada built strong relationships with the international donor community and successfully implemented several economic reforms. In recent years, Trovoada has been involved in conflict resolution missions in West and Central Africa.

MR. PATRICK MERLOE, Senior Associate and Director of Programs on Election and Political Processes, National Democratic Institute

Patrick Merloe directs the National Democratic Institute's electoral programs, including constitutional and law reform projects regarding electoral issues, programs concerning domestic nongovernmental organizations and political parties in election monitoring and international election assessments and election observer delegations. He is also involved in NDI programs relating to rule of law and public policy advocacy. Before joining NDI in 1993, Mr. Merloe was an attorney with Heller Ehrman White & McAuliffe. He also taught international human rights law at the University of San Francisco School of Law. He received his Juris Doctor Degree at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, completed graduate studies in public policy analysis at the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, D.C., and received his undergraduate education at Temple University.

Panel III: Public Health Challenges to Democratic Transitions in Africa: Malaria, Tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS (Tuesday, 9:00 am)

Deadly diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS have created a virtual state of emergency in Africa, impacting the economic, social and political wellbeing of countries on the continent. Malaria causes approximately 20 percent of childhood deaths in Africa, killing nearly 3,000 children in sub-Saharan Africa each day. The incidence rate of tuberculosis has tripled in Africa in the past 15 years, despite decreases in much of the rest of the world. Over 25 million sub-Saharan Africans are living with HIV/AIDS, with over two million dying each year.

Populations exposed to health pandemics in a context of minimal social services and little education on health issues are less prone to embrace democratic transitions, particularly if the government fails to provide needed social services and adequate healthcare. In many countries, political leaders are working to develop more effective national responses. Despite such efforts, a number of countries lack adequate legislation, policies and coordinated responses.

This panel will explore the roles that former leaders can play in promoting awareness and information campaigns, improved access to health care, resource mobilization, and consensus on solutions to the challenges that diseases present to democratic institutions. Active leadership from former Heads of State draws attention to these public health crises and could facilitate positive responses at the national and international levels. These leaders can also help overcome cultural barriers and stigmas by engaging with citizens groups and elected officials in leading education campaigns. Their constructive involvement could help strengthen initiatives currently underway, spearhead new efforts in underserved communities, and promote increased dialogue on best practices and lessons learned across borders and regions.

MODERATOR:

DR. CHRIS FOMUNYOH, Senior Associate for Africa, National Democratic Institute

PANELISTS:

H.E. DAWDA KAIRABA JAWARA, former President of The Gambia (1970-1994)

Dawda Kairaba Jawara became the first President of The Gambia after a 1970 referendum abolished the monarchy and transformed the country into a republic. Founder of the People's Progressive Party, Jawara was reelected several times until he was deposed in a 1994 coup. He lived in exile until 2002, when the government lifted the ban imposed on him and his political party. Prior to his presidency, Jawara was Prime Minister in 1965 when The Gambia became independent and was Minister of Education before independence.

H.E. YAKUBU GOWON, former President of Nigeria (1966-1975)

Yakubu Gowon became head of the Nigerian Federal Military Government and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces in 1966. Since his departure from office in 1975, Gowon has earned a Doctorate degree in Political Science from the London School of Law and Economics and received numerous honorary degrees and awards. He is currently Associate Research Professor at the Centre for Development Studies in Nigeria, and serves as Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF). Gowon also launched the Gowon Center and is a prominent activist in the campaign to eradicate guinea worm on the continent.

H.E. SAM NUJOMA, former President of Namibia (1990-2005)

Sam Nujoma was elected Namibia's first President in 1990 and was reelected twice, serving until 2005 when he retired from active politics. He plans to resume graduate studies in Geology at the University of Namibia. Prior to his presidency, Nujoma led the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) in opposing South African rule and its extension of apartheid to Namibia. After leaving office, President Nujoma founded the Sam Nujoma Foundation, a charitable trust providing financial assistance to Namibian students studying Science and Technology and care for orphaned and HIV-infected children.

DR. AWA MARIE COLL-SECK, Executive Secretary, Roll Back Malaria Partnership Secretariat, World Health Organization

Dr. Awa Marie Coll-Seck has been Executive Secretary of the Roll Back Malaria Partnership since March 2004. Her distinguished international and academic career in public health and medicine includes serving as Minister of Health of the Government of the Republic of Senegal, and Director for Policy, Strategy and Research of the Joint United Nations Programme for HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). She is the author of over 150 publications on subjects including malaria, measles, tetanus, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and cardio-vascular diseases.

DR. GAIL ANDREWS, Director of the Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS Research Alliance (SAHARA) at the Human Sciences Research Council of South Africa (HSRC)

Dr. Gail Andrews is currently director of the Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS Research Alliance (SAHARA), Dr. Andrews played a key role in challenging apartheid health services as the Chairperson of the South African Health and Social Services Organization in the Western Cape in the 1980s. Prior to joining SAHARA, she was Head of Health Promotion and Senior Lecturer of Health Policy and Management at the University of Pretoria School of Health Systems and Public Health. In 2004, Dr. Andrews played a leadership role in developing strategies to support the South African Response to HIV and AIDS. She received a PhD in Public Health from the University of the Western Cape and a Master of Public Health from the University of Wales.

Panel IV: Democratization: Government, Parliament and Civil Society (Tuesday, 11:30 am)

Former Heads of State have a unique perspective on the development of democratic institutions, such as parliament, the judiciary, political parties, a free press and civil society. It is the viability of these institutions that determines the success and sustainability of democracy on the continent. Former leaders can influence the development of these institutions without appearing to usurp their successors' constitutional role.

Former leaders can play a catalytic role in helping strengthen the development of effective and credible institutions, expanding political participation to underrepresented groups, and serving as civic advocates on issues of national or regional interest. Former Heads of State know first-hand the institutional challenges to democratic consolidation even in countries that have experienced successful transitions, and they are uniquely placed to help reformers in Africa to better tackle existing challenges to democratic governance. For example, their leadership and vision can inspire women and youth to overcome obstacles that limit their leadership role in politics.

MODERATOR:

MRS. OUMOU TOURE, President of Malian Women's Association

Oumou Tourй is a socio-linguist, trainer, and educator, specializing in issues concerning women. Mrs Tourй is a member of the Malian Democratic Movement and of the Collectives of Malian Women (COFEM) She is also the president of a non-governmental community-based development organization that works at the rural level with a specific focus on women. Mrs. Tourй currently serves as president of the Malian Women's Association (CAFO), which has a membership of 2,044 women organizations throughout Mali and is regarded both in Mali and in the sub-region as an emerging powerful promoter of women's responsible participation.

PANELISTS:

H.E. MANUEL PINTO DA COSTA, former President of Sao Tome and Principe (1975-1990)

Manuel Pinto da Costa became the first President of independent Sao Tome and Principe in 1975, the same year the nation gained independence, and held this post until 1990, when he stepped down. In 1989, he led his country in a transition to a multiparty democracy. His efforts resulted in the country's adoption of a new constitution establishing a multiparty political system with two five-year terms for the presidency and guaranteeing human rights protections. Since leaving office, Pinto da Costa has participated in international election missions, including missions in Burundi

H.E. JOAQUIM CHISSANO,former President of Mozambique (1986-2004), Member, Club of Madrid

Joaquim Alberto Chissano became President of the Republic of Mozambique in 1986. As Head of State, he undertook important socioeconomic reforms, opening the country to a multiparty system and introducing free market reforms. He also signed the 1992 peace treaty that ended 16 years of civil war with the Mozambican National Resistance (RENAMO). In 1994, he won the country's first multiparty elections, and he was reelected in 1999. Chissano chose not to run for another term in the 2004 elections. During his presidency, Chissano held several important international positions, including the presidency of the African Union.

H.E. MAHAMANE OUSMANE, former President of Niger (1993-1996)

Mahamane Ousmane served as the first democratically elected President of Niger from 1993 until 1996, when he was deposed in a military coup. During his presidency, Ousmane negotiated peace with Tuareg rebels following six years of armed conflict. After leaving the presidency, Ousmane was elected Member of Parliament and Speaker of the National Assembly. He is currently President of the International Association of French Speaking Parliamentarians. He has also co-led international election monitoring missions, including missions in Nigeria.

Panel V: Leadership for Development Initiatives:the G8, the Millennium Development Goals and International Financial Institutions (Tuesday, 3:00 pm)

Sub-Saharan Africa is the only region of the world that has become poorer in the last generation. It accounts for 13 percent of the world's population and 28 percent of world poverty.

This panel will look into initiatives currently underway to reduce poverty and promote economic development on the continent, with a focus on the Millennium Development Goals and the role of multilateral lending and aid organizations. With a growing consensus on the linkages between economic growth and political reform, these issues will be discussed in the context of democratic governance and the role for Africa's former presidents in supporting democratization efforts on the continent.This panel will be preceded by a working lunch session led by Jeffrey Sachs of the Earth Institute.

MODERATOR:

H.E. JOAQUIM CHISSANO, former President of Mozambique (1986-2004), Member, Club of Madrid

PANELISTS:

H.E. ALI HASSAN MWINYI, Former President of Tanzania (1984-1995)

Ali Hassan Mwinyi became President of Tanzania in 1984 after serving as interim President of Zanzibar. He oversaw Tanzania's transition toward multiparty politics, and stepped down at the end of his second presidential term in 1995 in observation of the term limit stipulated in the 1992 Constitution. In 2000, he was appointed by President Benjamin Mkapa to head the national effort in the fight against HIV/AIDS. As one of the nation's most distinguished elder statesmen, President Mwinyi continues to play a vital role in the civic life of Tanzania.

H.E. ANTONIO MANUEL MASCARENHAS MONTEIRO, former President of Cape Verde (1991-2001), Member, Club of Madrid

Antonio Manuel Mascarenhas Monteiro, a political leader and former President of the Supreme Court, was elected President of the Republic of Cape Verde in 1991 and reelected in 1996. During his term in office, Monteiro chaired the Third Conference on a Regional System of Human Rights Protection in Africa and Europe; he also was elected President of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP) in 1998. Since leaving office, Monteiro has participated as Chairman of the Contact Group of the OAU sent to Madagascar in March 2002 to mediate the conflict that broke out following the 2001 Presidential elections. He participated in the January 2003 NEPAD (New Partnership for Africa's Development) and Security Forum organized by the Global Coalition for Africa in Accra, Ghana.

H.E. AL SADIG AL MAHDI, former Prime Minister of Sudan (1986-1989), Member, Club of Madrid

Al Sadig Al Mahdi won the general elections for the Prime Minister of Sudan in 1986, a position he retained until the government was overthrown in 1989. Despite spending years in prison and exile, Al Mahdi has worked to promote democratization, peace, and national reconciliation within Sudan. His leadership contributed to the downfall of the Aboud dictatorship in 1964, an accord of national reconciliation mandating democratic reform in 1977, and the revolution of April 1985. In 2003, he signed the Cairo Declaration for peace and democratic transformation with the Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). Currently, Al Mahdi continues his mobilization efforts to restore peace and democracy to Sudan, and to solve the dialectic between modern life and religious revival in the Muslim World.

PROFESSOR JEFFREY D. SACHS, Director of the United Nations Millennium Project and Special Advisor to United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the Millennium Development Goals

Jeffrey D. Sachs is the Director of the Earth Institute, Quetelet Professor of Sustainable Development, and Professor of Health Policy and Management at Columbia University. He is also Director of the United Nations Millennium Project and Special Advisor to United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the Millennium Development Goals. Prior to his arrival at Columbia University in July 2002, Sachs spent over twenty years at Harvard University, most recently as Director of the Center for International Development and Galen L. Stone Professor of International Trade. He received his B.A., summa cum laude, from Harvard College in 1976, and his M.A. and Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1978 and 1980 respectively. He joined the Harvard faculty in 1980, became Associate Professor in 1982 and Full Professor in 1983.

WORKING DINNER:GLOBAL TRENDS IN HUMAN SECURITY:PUBLIC HEALTH, SECURITY AND COUNTER-TERRORISM (Tuesday, 7:30pm)

MODERATOR:

AMBASSADOR DIARRA CHEICK OUMAR, Diplomat

SPEAKERS:

GENERAL (RET.) CARLTON W. FULFORD, JR., Director, Africa Center for Strategic Studies

H.E. KIM CAMPBELL, former Prime Minister of Canada (1993), Secretary General, Club of Madrid

Kim Campbell served as Canada's first female Prime Minister after she was elected Leader of the Canadian Progressive Conservative Party in 1993. Prior to serving as Prime Minister, she was the first woman to hold the Justice and Defense portfolios and the first woman to be Defense Minister of a NATO country. Since her tenure as Prime Minister, Campbell has served as the Canadian Consul-General in Los Angeles from 1996 to 2000, President of the Council of Women World Leaders from 1999 to 2003, and President of the International Women's Forum from 2003 to the present. In addition, she is Director of the International Leadership Association and chairs the International Advisory Board to the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation. She has served as Secretary General of the Club of Madrid since January 2004.

DR. BAKARY KONE, Coordinator, former Minister of Finance, Mali

Dr. Bakary Konй is the coordinator of Mali's Finance Sector Development Project at the Ministry of Economy and Finances. Prior to his current post, Dr. Konй served from 2000 to 2002 as Mali's Minister of Economy and Finances. He also served as Director of the National Treasury and Public Accountancy from 1999 to 2000, and as Director of the Mali's National Budget from 1991 to 1999. Dr. Konй has a PhD in Public Administration with a specialization in Public Finances from the State University of New York in Albany (SUNY-Albany).

Panel VI: LEADING AFTER LEAVING: LEADERSHIP AND PARTNERSHIPS IN LIFE AFTER OFFICE (Wednesday, 9:00 am)

Panelists will discuss effective ways to utilize the experience and continuing influence that comes with having exercised high political office to play a constructive role in democratic development and public service. Club of Madrid Members will share with other participating leaders the burdens and opportunities of life after office and some of the successful initiatives they have undertaken.

All former Heads of State and former Heads of Government will be encouraged to share with colleagues and partner organizations projects in which they are involved that may require technical assistance and support.

MODERATOR:

H.E. KIM CAMPBELL, former Prime Minister of Canada (1993), Secretary General, Club of Madrid

PANELISTS:

H.E. PETRE ROMAN, former Prime Minister of Romania (1989-1991), Member, Club of Madrid

Petre Roman was a founding member of the National Salvation Front and in 1989 became the first Prime Minister of post-communist Romania, serving until 1991. In 1992, he became a member of the Chamber of Deputies, where he chaired the Defense Committee until 1996. Subsequently, he served as a Senator and as Chairman of the Defense Committee from 1996 to 1999 and as the Minister of State and Foreign Affairs from 1999 to 2000. He also held the post of Chairman of the Democratic Party of Romania from 1993 to 2001 and was Chairman of the Senate from 1997 to 2001. He was reelected Senator in November of 2000 and continues to serve in that capacity. Roman was also a Special Rapporteur to the North Atlantic Assemblyfrom 1993 to 1996, and the Acting President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation from 1997 to 1998.

H.E. KETUMILE MASIRE, former President of Botswana (1980-1998), Member, Club of Madrid

Ketumile Masire, a former teacher and parliamentarian, became the second President of Botswana in 1980. He won reelection in 1984, and served until his retirement from public service in 1998. Masire maintains a keen interest in humanitarian issues. From 1998 to 2000, he chaired the Eminent Personalities of the OAU Investigating the Circumstances Surrounding the 1994 Rwanda Genocide and, from 2000 to 2003, was facilitator for the Inter-Congolese National Dialogue. He recently became the Lloyd G. Balfour African President-in-Residence at the African Presidential Archives and Research Center (APARC) of Boston University. Masire holds several Honorary Doctorates and the Africa Prize for Leadership for the Sustainable End of Hunger, the Honorary Knighthood of the Grand Cross of Saint Michael and Saint George (UK) and the Namibia Order of the Welwitschia. He has also participated in international elections observation missions, including missions in Ethiopia.

AMBASSADOR CHARLES STITH, Director, African Presidential Archives and Research Center

Prior to assuming his present position as the Director of the African Presidential Archives and Research Center at Boston University, Ambassador Charles Stith served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to the United Republic of Tanzania. After concluding his term in Tanzania, he was appointed by Boston University's Chancellor to establish the African Presidential Archives and Research Center (APARC). He is a graduate of Baker University, the Interdenominational Theological Center's Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta, and Harvard University Divinity School. Ambassador Stith is founder and former National President of the Organization for a New Equality (O.N.E.), which focuses on expanding economic opportunities for minorities and women. He has been an adjunct faculty member at Boston College and Harvard Divinity School.