African Democracy Forum

The African Democracy Forum (ADF), is a regional network launched in Abuja, Nigeria in October 2000. It comprises civil society organisations, media institutions, community based organisations, academic institutions and donor entities that work on democracy, democratic research, protection of human rights, upholding the rule of law and promoting good governance through the twin principles of transparency and accountability in the African continent. ADF also acts as a platform for mutual support and sharing of resources for over 450 organisations and individuals. The ADF is a regional network of the World Movement for Democracy, a network of organizations from around the world advocating for democracy. The ADF uses the strength and knowledge of its members to create a strong network of communication. Its members include leading human rights and democracy activists who use their experiences to teach others.

The ADF seeks to provide democrats with the opportunity to express their views, and to have a platform for mutual support and resources in an effort to consolidate democracy in Africa. The ADF works to monitor democracy on the continent, protect democrats, support the development of information technology in Africa, share advocacy skills, train members of the network, establish and maintain a dialogue with state leaders, empower individuals at the grass-roots level, and encourage civil society organizations in conflict areas to use the ADF to seek support.

The ADF General Assemblies focus on bringing together ADF members to develop civil society strategies to address specific issues, such as post-conflict elections, democracy education, monitoring human rights violations, and fighting against corruption. The ADF also holds conferences and workshops concerning democracy in post-conflict situations, and women’s political participation in Africa. The ADF has created training programs on “Information and Communication Technologies,” “Democratic Leadership and Conflict Resolution,” and “Non-Violent Movement.” The organization also from time-to-time issues statements regarding issues that affect democratic development in Africa.

In addition to serving as the World Movement’s Africa regional network, the ADF and its member organizations are involved in the non-governmental process for the Community of Democracies, and the Human Rights Council Network, or HRCNet.

Democrats in Africa founded the ADF in October 2000 in anticipation of the Second Assembly of the World Movement for Democracy. The ADF participated in the Assembly in São Paulo, Brazil, in November 2000 where 60 participants from 25 countries in Africa participated in workshops and worked together to create strategies to further democracy in Africa. The participants in the regional workshop created an extensive list of goals and tactics to help aid democracy in Africa, and outlined some of the issues impeding its growth.

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Wikipedia