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Momodou
Denmark
11733 Posts |
 Posted - 11 Jun 2008 : 22:44:02
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Commonwealth workshop to forge links between Government and Opposition in West Africa
The theme of the workshop is “Government and Opposition: Roles, Rights and Responsibilities.”
The Commonwealth Secretariat and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) are organising a three day workshop on the relationship between Government and Opposition for Commonwealth West African countries, and Liberia, in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.
The workshop, which is being delivered in co-operation with the Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS) with the support of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will run from 16 to 18 June 2008 at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
The theme of the workshop is “Government and Opposition: Roles, Rights and Responsibilities.” Participants will come from Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Liberia.
“We aim to bring together representatives of governing parties, opposition parties and civil society from Commonwealth countries in West Africa, plus Liberia, to discuss their relationship with each other and their contribution to the democratic process – especially their role, rights and responsibilities,” said Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba, ahead of the workshop.
Mrs Masire-Mwamba said that “we hope that through an exchange of information, views, and expert knowledge participants will be able to distil current thinking on the subject, highlight examples of good practice and, after consideration of past and present experience, make practical proposals for future action.”
The workshop will explore issues on: the work of government; the work of the opposition; the challenge of leadership; political parties and elections; the role of parliament; accountability, as provided for by oversight institutions, the media and civil society; and the broader context, especially regarding gender and human rights.
It is organised in the context of the Commonwealth’s commitment to strengthening democratic values, processes and institutions. For the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association the key text concerning democracy is the Harare Commonwealth Declaration of 1991 in which Heads of Government pledged “to work with renewed vigour for democracy, democratic processes and institutions which reflect national circumstances, the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, just and honest government; fundamental human rights”.
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association is the parliamentary arm of the Commonwealth. It too works for the fulfillment of the objectives of the Harare Declaration, through the promotion of good governance and strengthening of Parliament.
Note to editors:
Media are invited to cover the opening session on Monday 16 June 2008 at 9.00 –11.00am.
For media enquiries, please contact Julius Mucunguzi, Communications Officer and Assistant Spokesperson for Africa on email: j.mucunguzi@commonwealth.int or telephone number: +44 (0) 789 459 3517
Source: Commonwealth News Issue 393 - 11 June 2008
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jun 2008 : 21:27:16
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Thank you Momodou
Time is fully matured for genuine discussion about role of African governments and their opposition. It is not clear what may finally emerge out of this programme. There are good reasons why opposition and ruling parties in Africa will NEVER experience a healthy dialogue. Both are ANTI-SOCIETY. The ruling parties refuse to accept that they are simply operating on a rotating seat of power. They fail to accept that there are other very capable people ready to assume the responsibility of nation building. For sitting governments in Africa, they choose to cheat civil society by claiming there are still more projects to be provided. In the process they consolidate their grip firmly just as the case in Gambia. Opposition parties on their part are not sincere enough. They mostly want to replace the ruling party so they too get control and seek a prolong stay in power. Civil society is not properly organised. Special interest bearers take advantage by using civil society to fulfil particular selfish gains.
To solve the problems in these conflicting choatic state of affairs, civil society must build up a critical mass front to secure collective interest. For now, too much exploitation of the masses by special interests is not taking us forward. Political parties in power have to play high sense by facilitating their own decent exit. That is not happening in Zimbabwe. It is not happening in Gambia too. Such a shame! |
Karamba |
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