For several years, the Horn of Africa region has experienced increasing levels of insecurity, driven largely by cross-border violent extremism, that has heavily impacted local communities and threatened political stability across the region. This Twitter Space discussion hosted by the National Democratic Institute explored how constitutional norms like term limits bolster efforts to combat insecurity in the region. Moderated by NDI Zimbabwe Country Director Arnold Tsunga and constitutional lawyer Adem Abebe, the conversation featured South Sudanese human rights lawyer Dr. Joseph G. Akech, University of the Western Cape Professor Dr. Ibrahim Harun, and U.S. Institute of Peace’s Susan Stigant, with recorded remarks from U.S. International University - Africa’s Dr. Fatuma Ahmed Ali. For more information about NDI’s Constitutional Term Limits Initiative, please visit: https://www.termlimitsinitiative.org/

Peace, Security, and Constitutionalism in the Horn of Africa

Ahead of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, DC from December 13-15, 2022, this Twitter Space explored the challenges and opportunities that face the US-Africa partnership to advance the commitment to constitutionalism and good governance across Africa. The discussion featured H.E. Dr. Joyce Banda, the former president of Malawi and the second woman to be elected head of state in Africa, in conversation with Derek Mitchell, the President of the National Democratic Institute. NDI’s Christopher Fomunyoh and Paulina Chavez Alonzo moderated the discussion. For more information about NDI’s Constitutional Term Limits Initiative, please visit: https://www.termlimitsinitiative.org/

Reinforcing the U.S. - Africa Commitment to Constitutionalism

For more than 35 years, the National Democratic Institute has been honored to work with thousands of courageous and committed small “d” democrats around the world to help countries develop democratic institutions, practices and skills. 

Over that period, we have worked in more than 150 countries. 

We have operated on the principle that while there is no single model for democracy, certain principles are fundamental – accountability, transparency, citizen empowerment, regular free and fair elections, etc. -- and that sharing democratic knowledge and experience among nations large and small will promote democracy’s success. 

Through these DemWorks podcasts, we will engage in conversation with those who have been on the front lines of democratic development work around the world. In the process, we will get them to share what they do and how they do it - their on-the-ground experiences, the challenges they face, the obstacles they overcome, and the unique national contexts in which they must operate. 

And in the process show how DEMOCRACY WORKS.