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Result Area 1: Conflict Prevention

 

 

Activity 1.1: ECES support to the AAEA General Assembly and 8th Annual Continental Forum of EMBs in Cotonou.

 

The electoral context in Africa is undermined by the complexity of the political, socio-cultural, technological, economic, legal, security and ecological situations. These contexts constitute a significant challenge for EMBs to organise free, transparent and democratic elections in accordance with both international and continental standards.

In light of the above, ECES supported the African Union Commission (AUC) in organising the  8th Annual Continental Forum of Election Management Bodies (EMBs), titled “Strategic Communication: Building a Sustainable Election Management Bodies-Stakeholder Relationship” held on 1-2 November 2023 in Cotonou, Benin as well as the General Assembly of the Association of African Electoral Authorities (AAEA), on 3 November 2023, hosted by the Commission Electorale Nationale Autonome (CENA) of Benin. ECES experts participated in two panels and provided support in logistics, visibility, accommodation, translation and interpretation materials.

More than 130 people from more than 40 African countries,  participated in the 8th Annual EMBs Forum, including chairpersons and other senior officials of EMBs from all the AU Member States, the AUC Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, members of the Association of African Electoral Authorities, Regional Economic Communities, networks of EMBs, international organizations in the electoral field, civil society organisations, academia working in the electoral field, and other key democratic governance actors.

The discussion revolved around four main thematic areas, namely:

  • Experiences and challenges of EMBs in relation to communication with electoral stakeholders and citizens.
  • Developing Strategic Communication: EMB Perspectives, lessons learned and best practices.
  • Avoiding pitfalls in communicating with stakeholders: the dos and the don’ts.
  • Counting the cost: Exploring opportunities for cost-effect EMBs communication strategies.

The Forum was structured around 8 main sessions that focused on the role of communication during the election and what EMBs can do to develop a strong strategic Communication strategy.

The Founder and Executive Director of ECES, Fabio Bargiacchi, participated in the opening and closing ceremonies of the event. ECES, along with its Media Monitoring and Communication Expert, participated in a session on developing a communication strategy and facilitated a session on communication in the digital age.

Furthermore, contributed to share its experience using strategic communication and strategies to build EMB institutional resilience and to support them in the creation of strong communication channels with citizens as a tool to avoid conflict.

Overall, the forum improved the focus of EMBs on communication. Furthermore, it provided knowledge on how strategically manage and respond to priorities for credible elections in a manner that improves their image and relationships with all electoral stakeholders, particularly citizens.

The success of the forum contributed to building a community of EMB leaders who share common values, jointly work towards the consolidation of integrity in elections, and support each other, especially when facing challenges related to their offices, hence helping achieve the expected outcomes of the project.

The Continental Forum was followed by the General Assembly of the Association of African Electoral Authorities (AAEA). The AAEA has received the support of the Italian MOFA, first with the Innov-Election Phase III project and in the context of the first phase of the Pro-Electoral Integrity project – Phase I. In Cotonou, the GA approved and signed the “Principles and Guidelines for the use of Digital and Social Media in Elections in Africa”. This document will be used as a compose and series of principles to guide the work of the EMBs when it comes to the use and role of social media in the electoral period.

Activity 1.2.1: Peer support mission to Liberia

A peer support mission was deployed in Liberia for the first round of the presidential election of 2023. The mission deployed included 5 Chairpersons and Commissioners and stayed in the country from the 6th to the 13th of October 2023.

The delegation was made up of the Chairpersons and Commissioners of Ghana, South Africa, Malawi, and Ethiopia. The mission was undertaken by EMBs representatives to support and demonstrate solidarity with their colleague Mrs Davidetta A.T. Brown Lansanag, the chairperson of the National Elections Commission of Liberia, and her fellow Commissioners.

The mission served as a useful resource to its peers, offering pre-electoral and post-electoral constructive advice and feedback. The mission coordinated with the AU and the other international and regional organizations that deployed a mission during the elections. TO be specific and in chronological order the delegation met with:

•           Elections Coordination Committee,

•           ECONEC delegation,

•           West African Network for Peace Building and the National Elections Response Group,

•           National Elections Commission Leadership

•           the Heads of Election Observation Mission debrief of the AU and ECOWAS.


On Election Day the mission observed four (4) different polling stations in different areas of Monrovia. After the polling stations closed the mission observed the counting of votes. The day after the mission observed the tallying of the votes at the National ad Monteserrado tallying station at the Kanyon Doe Sport Complex.

The Chairpersons and Commissioners prepared a communique that included a series of 8 findings on the election day and the process with suggestions from the experiences of each country. The communique was delivered to the head of the NEC, Mrs Davidetta A.T. Brown Lansanag, during a meeting held between the mission and the NEC Commissioners that was used to discus and analyze the findings and the mission results.

Activity 1.2.2: Peer support mission to Comoros

A peer support mission was deployed in the Union of Comoros for the first round of the presidential election of 2024. The mission deployed included 4 Chairpersons and Commissioners and stayed in the country from the 6th to the 13th of October 2023.

The delegation was made up of the Chairpersons and Commissioners of Burkina Faso, Ghana, Central African Republic and Malawi. The mission was undertaken by EMBs representatives to support and demonstrate solidarity with their colleague Mr. Said Ahamada Ben lddrisa, the chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission of the Union of the Comoros, and his fellow Commissioners.

The mission served as a useful resource to its peers, offering pre-electoral and post-electoral constructive advice and feedback. The mission coordinated with the AU and the other international and regional organizations that deployed a mission during the elections.

After an initial meeting with the Chairperson, the mission met with different electoral stakeholders and with the African Union Election Observation mission gave them an overview of the electoral landscape and the latest news about the situation on the ground.

On Election Day the mission visited 5 different polling stations in the Moroni area, this included the opening of polling stations, their closing, and the counting. The mission moved alongside the AU EOM and a decision was made to work together with them for their statement about the elections.

Activity 1.3.1: Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation– Addis Ababa

The Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and the Code of Conduct for International Election Observers establish the basis for credible international election observation.

The Declaration was developed through a multi-year process involving more than 20 intergovernmental and international nongovernmental organizations concerned with election observation around the world. The process began informally in 2001 at the initiative of NDI and the United Nations Electoral Assistance Division (UNEAD). The declaration was commemorated at the UN on Oct. 27, 2005, and is now endorsed by 54 intergovernmental and international organizations, including the AU and ECES, which are engaged in the process of improving international election observation.

The signatories of the declaration meet on a yearly basis to discuss the trends, developments, and problems encountered during their activities of election observation or technical support to elections. The Declaration of Principles (DoP) International Annual Implementation Meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 15 to 17 November 2023. The Meeting brought together stakeholders from over 54 international organisations from across the world. The rich discussions that ensued over the three days reflected a collective commitment to advancing the principles outlined in the DoP and a willingness to address challenges facing international election observation.

The event focused on six thematic areas, fostering in-depth discussions led by endorsing organisations, with the overarching goal of strengthening the commitment of the DoP community and enhancing the image of international election observers in our members States. These included Communication and Media, Youth and Women Participation, Challenges of Observers, Data Protection and Electoral Integrity, Experiences of Heads and Chiefs of Observer Missions, and a Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM).

The event was open by the Director of Governance and Conflict Prevention Directorate of the Department of PAPS, Mrs Patience Chiradza that set the stage for this significant gathering, extending a warm welcome to Excellencies and attendees at the Opening Session. Among the guests were Mrs Nandos Ayalew, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the AUC; Ms Cristina Castagnoli, Head of Unit for Democracy and Election Actions at the European Parliament; Ambassador Alberto Bertoni of Italy, Ambassador of Italy to the AU; Dr Speciosa Wandira Kazibwe, Former Vice-President of the Republic of Uganda, a former member of the AU Panel of the Wise (PoW) as well as representatives of the Regional Economic Communities (RECs).

The event provided a forum for participants to share their ideas and opinions on democratic election norms, the critical role of elections’ ineffective governance, and the challenges and opportunities in international election observation. The scheduling of the meeting was judged especially crucial given the rising threats to the integrity of elections and the current trends of global democratic backsliding, emphasizing the significance of collective efforts toward ensuring electoral integrity and revamping democracy’s resilience. A series of recommendations was produced and approved by all participants at the event.

Activity 1.3.2: Participation to the 25th Annual General Conference of the Electoral Commission Forum of SADC Countries (ECF-SADC)

In the framework of the Project ECES supported the participation and support of its experts and the ones of the African Union at the 25th Annual General Conference of the Electoral Commission Forum of SADC Countries (ECF-SADC). The conference followed the theme: “Striving for Credible, Inclusive & Transparent elections in the SADC region: Innovation and renewed approaches for the Future” was held on the 28th of November in Cape Town, South Africa.

This opportunity was taken to showcase the work and the collaboration between Italy and ECES as a good practice for the implementation of projects in support of regional and continental organizations.

Activity 1.3.3: Capacity building training in election observation - Somalia

The mission took place from the 22nd to the 26th of January 2024 between Mogadishu and Nairobi.

During the mission, several members of the Somali government, civil society and the various embassies and delegations present in both Mogadishu and Nairobi were met.

In detail the Mission met with: the Minister of Interior and Federal Affairs, the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources, the European Union Delegation, the Italian Embassy, various civil society organizations, the Secretariat of the Electoral Commission Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, the European Delegation in Nairobi.  the Finnish Embassy, the Italian Cooperation Agency, the Swedish Embassy, and the Danish Embassy.

ECES together with a local partner IIDA concluded the mission by drafting a series of recommendations that a possible project in support of the electoral commission should take into consideration.

The needs for the NEC are:

  • Technical capacity building through training, and coaching to the main electoral stakeholders, particularly the National Independent Electoral Commission and other concerned government services (Home Affairs, Judiciary, Security, Parliament, etc.), covering all phases before, during, and after the elections and aiming at enhancing transparency and credibility.
  • Specialized High-Level advisory services to top government decision-makers for the conception, monitoring, and follow-up of the electoral process, especially considering the challenges and novelty of universal suffrage in the complex security, political and institutional landscape of Somalia.
  • Capacity building to Civil Society Organisations, political parties and other non­governmental electoral stakeholders, with a special focus on women, youth and other vulnerable categories, to include them as active actors of the electoral process, awareness-raising/education/mediation actors, and watchdogs.
  • The possible action should coordinate with other potential partners involved in electoral support, such as the UNDP and other international partners, to ensure effective division of labor and maximum synergy of action.

 

 

Activity 1.3.4: Technical analysis in South Sudan

After the request of the South Sudan Ambassador to Italy, Ambassador Dhano Obongo, and of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, ECES supported an expert mission to South Sudan.

The mission composed of our Vice President of the Strategic & Advisory Committee, Filiberto Sebregondi and the Senior Electoral Expert Vania Angelova arrived in Juba and started working with the Ambassador of South Sudan to Rome and Mission to the United Nations Rome Based Agencies, Ambassador Dhano Obongo.

The mission met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hon. Amb. James Pitia Morgan, the Political Parties Council and with Prof Abendgo Akok Kachuol, the Chairperson of the National Election Commission.

The objective of this mission was to identify and support the National Election Commission and other electoral stakeholders in the road to the Presidential elections of December 2024.

The mission identified the following needs as entry working points for possible future projects or activities in support of the South Sudan Electoral Commission and Democratic institutions:

  1. Promote CSOs domestic observation, including the setting up of the national platform, their training and capacity building, participation to voter education, election phases’ observation and reporting, media monitoring,
  2. Support to Political Parties and its umbrella body,
  3. Support to EMB and electoral stakeholders:
  4. National Election Commission (NEC),
  5. Political Party Council (PPC),
  6. National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC),
  7. Traditional Leaders.

 

Activity 1.3.5: Capacity building training in election observation – Gabon to Brussels and Luxembourg

On the 30th of August 2023, Gabon underwent an unconstitutional change of power. To support the transition and the creation of the new constitution, in the framework of the Project ECES facilitated and organised the Mission of the Gabonese Constitutional Court and Senate to Luxemburg. The activity aimed at supporting the ongoing democratic transition and political dialogue in Gabon with our local long-lasting partner of the "Consortium de la Societé Civile pour la Transparence Electoral" (COTED).

The Gabonese representatives visited the Court of Justice of the European Union and had the opportunity to interact with the President of the Court, Mr. Koen Lenaerts. The delegation comprised the President of the Gabonese Constitutional Court, Mr. Dieudonné Aba'a Owono, the Vice President of the Gabonese Senate, Mr Ngoussi, and the senior judge, Mr. Bignoumba Fernandes, who visited the Court building and had peer-to-peer exchanges with some of the Court's judges.  The Founder and Executive Director of ECES, Fabio Bargiacchi, and the President of ECES' Strategic and Advisory Committee, Joelle Milquet, accompanied and facilitated the mission.

Against a backdrop of political transition in Gabon, the meetings provided an opportunity for exchanges between peers on various legal and electoral issues and the role and means of bringing cases before the Constitutional Court.

Activity 1.3.6: Participation to the AU Summit

ECES was invited by the AUC PAPS commissioner Bankole Adeoye to participate in the African Union Summit that was held from 17 to 19 February 2024 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The event represented an important opportunity to engage with AUC staff and other stakeholders, to showcase the accomplishments of the Pro-Electoral Integrity project and the collaboration between ECES, the African Union, and Italy.

The 2023 summit, emphasized education, which aligned perfectly with the objectives of the project, highlighting the role of informed and active citizenship in electoral processes and democratic governance. The participation would enable us to share insights from the collaborative efforts, explore further avenues of cooperation, and engage with other key stakeholders within the broader framework.

Activity 1.4.1: Expert meeting for the development of materials needed for the launching of the pilot project of the AU Strategy for the inclusion and mainstreaming of the ACDEG in school curricula in Dakar, Senegal

The Dakar ACDEG meeting took place from 2 to 7 May 2023. The ACDEG Project is in recognition of the importance of education in creating societal values aligned with democracy, good governance, rule of law, and human rights. The primary objective of this meeting was to bring together the nine members of the Specialized Technical Committee on Education, Science and Technology (STC-EST), staff from the Directorate for Governance and Conflict Prevention, and two experts from Cameroon to prepare for the implementation of the pilot phase of the ACDEG project.

The outcome of the meeting was the completion of the four remaining education manuals for the students and the four teachers’ manuals for each learning stage. These manuals are to be used by teachers and students alike to align African education systems with Pan-African democratization efforts.

Activity 1.4.2: Report of the experts meeting for the alignment of the teacher’s guides and the learner’s manuals for the AU strategy for the inclusion and mainstreaming of the ACDEG in school curricula, in Nairobi, Kenya

The Nairobi ACDEG meeting took place from 4 to 8 July 2023. It served to align the Guides and Manuals before their official showcase, which was planned for September 2023. This was done in four phases: an individual review by each expert, a small-group peer review, plenary validation, and finally a meeting between the experts and the illustrator. Following this meeting, it was determined that upon completion of the illustrations, the Guides and Manuals would be prepared to be translated and presented. This meeting was attended by three AUC staff, 11 experts, and three ECES representatives.

Activity 1.4.3: Member states brainstorming session on the Teachers Guides and Learners’ Manuals needed for the AU strategy for the inclusion and mainstreaming of the ACDEG in school curricula, in Maputo, Mozambique

The Maputo ACDEG meeting took place from 4 to 6 December 2023. The participants were responsible for a review of the existing ACDEG pedagogical material, as well as brainstorming a way forward with the ACDEG project. It was attended by AU member state representatives, experts, RECS and AU organs. It served generally to prepare for the implementation of the pilot project in select countries in 2024.

Activity 1.4.4: Experts meeting for the finalisation of the Learners’ Manuals for the AU strategy for the inclusion and mainstreaming of the ACDEG in school curricula, in Accra, Ghana

The Accra ACDEG meeting took place from 20 to 24 February 2024. It brought together a group of six experts, designated in the previous Maputo meeting as the Steering Committee, with the aim of completing a focused review of the Learners’ Manuals and providing recommendations for improvement and harmonisation. The main objective of this meeting was to finalize the Manuals for implementation in pilot countries in 2024.

Activity 1.4.5: Experts meeting for the finalization of the Learners’ Manuals for the AU strategy for the inclusion and mainstreaming of the ACDEG in school curricula in Abidjan, Ivory Coast

The Abidjan ACDEG meeting took place from the 19th to the 22nd of June 2024. It brought together a group of six experts, designated in the previous Maputo meeting as the Steering Committee, with the aim of completing a focused review of the Learners’ Manuals and providing recommendations for improvement and harmonization. The main objective of this meeting was to finalize the Manuals for implementation in pilot countries in 2024.

Activity 1.4.6: Launch event of the pilot phase of the AU project for the inclusion and mainstreaming of the ACDEG in school curricula for the west African region, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast

The second Abidjan ACDEG meeting took place on 27 June 2024. It was the pilot launch of the ACDEG curriculum after the approval of the pedagogical material by experts and AU representatives in Maputo. The objectives of the meeting were to raise awareness on the importance of the ACDEG in promoting democratic values in African citizens, agreeing on the selection critera of pilot countries, and developing an implementation plan for the western African region. It consisted of an official launch ceremony and several sessions for discussion regarding the implementation phase of the ACDEG Project.

 

 

Result Area 2: Post-Conflict Peace Building (C) (NAMS)

 

 

Activity 2.1 Support the organization and provide technical knowledge to the 7th African Forum on Transitional Justice in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco, in September 2023

 

ECES was requested by the AUC to support in the technical and logistical organization of the 7th African Forum on Transitional Justice in Rabat form 12th to 14th September 2023.

Since the inaugural African Transitional Justice Forum in 2017, the TJ Forum has probed the state of transitional justice in Africa. It aims to foster comprehensive reflections and discussions on the continent's advancements, innovations, shortcomings, and challenges in addressing the diverse range of obstacles faced by African people. As a multi-stakeholder platform that brings about African states, TJ experts and practitioners, NHRIs, CSOs, RECs, AU organs, and victims’ networks, the Forum also endeavors to promote sharing of best practices and provides recommendations for various actors aimed at improving regional TJ practices. In line with the AU Theme of the Year and the Commemoration of 20 years of the Maputo Protocol and the 60th anniversary of the OAU, the 7th Edition of the Forum focused on Inclusive and Participatory Governance, Gender Equality and Socio-Economic Justice in Africa. It also paid particular attention to other emerging issues, progress, and best practices in addressing these issues, thus further pushing the boundaries of transitional justice to provide solutions, shape approach(es) and build tools to address them.

Linking transitional justice, gender equality, and socio-economic justice in Africa recognises the interconnectedness of these dimensions and allows for a more comprehensive and effective approach to achieving lasting peace, equality, and development. By delving deeper into these interconnected challenges and exchanging best practices and innovative approaches during this edition of the Forum, African countries have an opportunity to collaborate towards creating just and inclusive societies that uphold human rights, secure justice, promote reconciliation, and foster socio-economic transformation.

To this end, the 7th edition of the Forum focused on the following themes that made up various panel discussions over the three days:

  • Free movement of goods and people in Africa and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): A Transitional Justice Lens to addressing Challenges and Opportunities for Marginalized Groups’ Socio-economic Transformation 
  • State of Transitional Justice in Africa: Developments and Progress from Ongoing National TJ Processes
  • Business Sector Accountability through Transitional Justice: Lessons, Challenges and Opportunities for Pursuing Justice for Private Sector Violations and Crimes in Africa
  • Conflict Related Sexual Violence, Gender and Masculinities and Transitional Justice: Reflections on Progress, Innovation, Gaps and Opportunities
  • Advancing Women and Socio-Economic Justice in Africa: Reflections on Progress, Limitations, and Innovation
  • Africa’s Journey on Implementing Transitional Justice: Progress and Challenges for Member States, AU Organs, and RECs
  • Children and Youth in Transitional Justice: Moving Beyond their victimhood to Active Participation in Transitional Justice Processes to Guarantee Non-Recurrence.
  • The Role of African National Human rights Institutions (NHRI) in TJ: Safeguarding achievements and ensuring sustainability of results
  • Integrating Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Transitional Justice and Post-Conflict Recovery Processes
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity in Transitional Justice: Shaping New Discourses, Lens and Approaches to Transitional Justice

 

Activity 2.2 Support to the African Youth for Transitional Training in Kampala, Uganda, in February 2024

Central to our efforts is Transitional Justice (TJ), which addresses past conflicts and governance deficits. TJ is crucial for advancing the AU's Agenda 2063 goals. Recognizing Africa's youthful population's influence, the AUC, with ECES's support, focuses on youth participation in TJ. With over 70% of sub-Saharan Africans below 30, engaging youth is essential for democratic and socio-economic transformation.

It is in this context that ECES supported from the 27th to the 29th of February 2024 the African Youth for Transitional Justice (AY4TJ) initiative. The AY4TJ seeks to bridge knowledge gaps, fosters youth participation in decision-making, and cultivates a new generation of African TJ experts. This initiative enhances youth understanding and implementation of TJ mechanisms, amplifying their role in African democratic processes.

 

 

Activity 2.3 Support to the African Women For Transitional Justice (AW4TJ), in Nairobi, Kenya, in Augus 2024

 

In line with the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol), the African Union Commission, with support of ECES has convene the inaugural training and network-building session of the African Women for Transitional Justice (AW4TJ) platform from 2-4 August 2023, in Nairobi, Kenya. The overarching objective of the training is to promote women's participation in transitional justice in Africa, with the aim of increasing the number of women transitional justice experts across the continent. Other specific objectives include to:

  • Strengthen participants’ understanding of Transitional justice and the AUTJP
  • Deepen participants' knowledge of developing and implementing genderinclusive transitional justice processes drawing from comparative experiences and lessons from the continent;
  • Empower women to lead and drive their own in-country transitional justice processes;
  • Ensure effective participation of women and women groups in all transitional justice processes at communal, regional and national levels;
  • Establish a pool of women that can be deployed to support AU led mediation and transitional justice initiative.
  • Foster collaboration, partnership, and networking among women in transitional justice in Africa that can lead to joint initiatives and collective action aimed at advancing the implementation of the AUTJP
  • Establish African Union’s Women for Transitional Justice in Africa (AW4TJ) as the Continental Women’s Platform on transitional justice for knowledge creation, experience sharing and capacity building;
  • Operationalize working relationship between the African Union’s Women for Transitional Justice in Africa (AW4TJ), the African Women Fellowship on transitional justice, and relevant African Union institutions.