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Result Area 1: Conflict Prevention

 

Activity 1.1: The AAEA General Assembly and 9th Annual Continental Forum of EMBs

After the successful holding of the 8th continental forum of EMBs and the AAEA General Assembly in Cotonou, Benin – with the support of the 2nd phase of the project - the AAEA resolved to convene the next General Assembly and the 9th continental forum of Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) in 2024. It will gather an average of 100 participants from African Union (AU) Member states, including representatives of African EMBs and other electoral stakeholders. Beyond the promotion of a common culture of prevention of electoral violence, the success of this upcoming event will help build a community of EMBs 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.

Activity 1.2: AAEA Peer support and learning mission to Namibia

The Association of African Election Authorities (AAEA) deployed a peer support and learning mission to the 2024 Presidential and National Assembly Elections of Namibia held on 27th November 2024.

The AAEA mission was composed of five 5 Commissioners from Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Uganda, Zanzibar and one member of Civil Society from Cameroon. The mission was organized in the context of the AAEA partnership with the African Union and of a project implemented by the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. 

Election Management Bodies (EMBs) being the central pillar of democracy and having the mandate to organize elections in conformity to International and National legal framework and best practice. The Mission was undertaken by representatives of EMBs across the continent to demonstrate peer solidarity with their colleague Dr Elsie T. Nghikembua, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) and her fellow Commissioners.

The mission brought the knowledge of experienced electoral practitioners with the double objectives to bring solidarity and peer review to the Electoral Commission of Namibia while learning from the electoral practices of Namibia to be eventually taken into consideration while implementing the electoral processes of their countries.

Strategically the mission serves as a useful resource to its peers, offering electoral constructive advice/feedback. As an independent Association and a viable continental body, the AAEA delegation arrived in Windhoek on the 25th of November 2024 had the following engagements/meetings and discussions with:

Activity 1.3: AAEA peer support and learning mission to Ghana

The AAEA peer support and learning mission to Ghana for the December 2024 general elections brought together representatives of African Election Management Bodies (EMBs), in collaboration with the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) and the African Union. The mission included EMB commissioners and senior electoral officials from several African countries—such as Malawi, Zimbabwe, Gabon, Burkina-Faso, Togo, Ethiopia, Botswana and Central African Republic—as well as experts from ECES and representatives of civil society.

The mission is designed as a non-partisan, peer-to-peer initiative to promote the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices in election management. Its main objective is to strengthen electoral integrity and professionalism across African EMBs by fostering cooperation, mutual support, and capacity building.

Participants engaged in observation, dialogue, and peer review activities during the electoral process, contributing to a shared understanding of challenges and solutions, while also demonstrating solidarity with the host EMB. The mission is part of the broader “Pro-Electoral Integrity” project, which aims to enhance the resilience of electoral institutions in Africa, support credible and inclusive elections, and promote democratic governance and conflict prevention across the continent.

Activity 1.4: AAEA Peer Support and learning mission to Gabon

The AAEA peer support and learning mission to Gabon, conducted from 7 to 14 April 2025 in the context of the presidential election, brings together representatives of African Election Management Bodies (EMBs), in collaboration with the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) and the African Union. The mission involved EMB chairpersons, commissioners, and senior electoral officials from Gabon, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Centralafrican Republic, Mauritania, Ghana, Benin—as well as ECES experts, African Union representatives, and other electoral stakeholders.

The mission is designed as a non-partisan, peer-to-peer initiative aimed at promoting the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices in election management. It also supports regional cooperation, particularly through the establishment and strengthening of networks among EMBs, such as the emerging ROGEAC Network.

Its main objective is to enhance electoral integrity, institutional capacity, and professionalism across participating EMBs by fostering collaboration, mutual learning, and technical support. Participants engaged in site visits, dialogue, document sharing, and peer review activities, contributing to a shared understanding of electoral challenges and solutions, while supporting Gabon during a sensitive democratic transition. The mission is part of the broader “Pro-Electoral Integrity” project, which aims to strengthen the resilience of electoral institutions in Africa, support credible and inclusive elections, and promote democratic governance, transparency, and conflict prevention across the continent.

Activity 1.5: AAEA Peer support and learning Mission to Burundi

The AAEA  peer support and learning mission to Burundi, was conducted in June 2025 in the context of the legislative elections in the country. This mission brought toghether a group of Presidents, Commissioner and senior staff from the Electoral Commission of Chad, Gabon, Sao Tome & Princip, Central African Repubblic, Repubblic Congo and Democratic Repubblic of Congo. This experience allowed them to share, compare and learn from each other electoral systems.

The delegation engaged directly with the National Independent Electoral Commission of Burundi (CENI) to learn about the electoral process and share their own experiences. This mission aimed to foster learning and the sharing among members of various electoral commissions within the framework of the Pro-Electoral Integrity project. This project is funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and implemented in collaboration with the African Union Commission’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (AUC-PAPS). The broader objective is to contribute to peace and security on the continent by strengthening the capacity of African Election Management Bodies (EMBs) to conduct credible, inclusive, and transparent elections—thereby helping prevent electoral conflicts and reinforcing public trust in democratic processes.

This initiative builds on the AAEA’s longstanding role as a forum for African EMBs to exchange expertise and uphold democratic standards. The mission not only strengthens bilateral learning between institutions but also highlights the importance of regional networks and continental cooperation.

Activity 1.6:AAEA Peer support and learning mission to Malawi

The AAEA peer learning mission to Malawi, conducted from 11 to 19 September 2025 in the context of the general elections, brought together representatives of African Election Management Bodies (EMBs), in collaboration with the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) and the African Union. The mission included EMB chairpersons, commissioners, and senior electoral officials from a wide range of African countries—such as Ghana, Liberia, Lesotho, Botswana, Zambia, Senegal, Mozambique, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Nigeria—as well as experts from ECES and other electoral stakeholders.

The mission is designed as a non-partisan, peer-to-peer initiative aimed at promoting the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices in election management. It also served to strengthen cooperation among EMBs and reinforce professional standards through mutual learning and technical dialogue.

Its main objective is to enhance electoral integrity, institutional capacity, and professionalism across participating EMBs by fostering collaboration, peer support, and capacity building. Participants engaged in meetings with electoral stakeholders, field visits, document exchange, and peer review activities, contributing to a shared understanding of electoral challenges and operational solutions, while supporting Malawi’s electoral process.

The mission is part of the broader “Pro-Electoral Integrity” project, which aims to strengthen the resilience of electoral institutions in Africa, support credible and inclusive elections, and promote democratic governance, transparency, and conflict prevention across the continent.

Activity 1.7: AAEA Peer support and learning mission to Cameroon

The AAEA peer support and learning mission to Cameroon, conducted from 8 to 14 October 2025 in the context of the presidential election, brought together representatives of African Election Management Bodies (EMBs), in collaboration with the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES), the African Union, and regional partners. The mission included EMB representatives and electoral stakeholders from Burundi, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo, and São Tomé and Príncipe—as well as experts from ECES and other partner organisations.

The mission is designed as a non-partisan, peer-to-peer initiative aimed at promoting the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices in election management. It also contributed to strengthening regional cooperation, particularly within Central Africa, including through synergies with the emerging ROGEAC network.

Its main objective is to enhance electoral integrity, institutional capacity, and professionalism across participating EMBs by fostering collaboration, mutual learning, and technical support. Participants engaged in meetings with the electoral management body, field visits to polling and counting stations, and peer review activities, contributing to a shared understanding of electoral challenges and solutions while supporting Cameroon during its electoral process. The mission is part of the broader “Pro-Electoral Integrity” project, which aims to strengthen the resilience of electoral institutions in Africa, support credible and inclusive elections, and promote democratic governance, transparency, and conflict prevention across the continent.

Activity 1.8: AAEA Peer support and learning mission to Ivory Coast

The AAEA peer support and learning mission to Ivory Coast, conducted from 21 to 28 October 2025 in the context of the presidential elections, brought together representatives of African Election Management Bodies (EMBs), in collaboration with the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES), the African Union, and regional partners. The mission included EMB commissioners and senior electoral officials from a diverse group of African countries—such as Ghana, Mozambique, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Senegal, Togo, Zimbabwe, and Malawi—as well as members of the AAEA Secretariat and ECES experts.

The mission is designed as a non-partisan, peer-to-peer initiative aimed at promoting the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices in election management. It also strengthened cooperation among EMBs and fostered regional and continental networks, including collaboration with the Network of Francophone Electoral Competences (RECEF), enhancing dialogue between Anglophone and Francophone electoral communities.

Its main objective is to enhance electoral integrity, institutional capacity, and professionalism across participating EMBs by fostering collaboration, mutual learning, and technical support. Participants engaged in meetings with the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), field visits to polling and electoral operations, and peer review activities, contributing to a shared understanding of electoral challenges and solutions during a politically significant electoral process.

The mission is part of the broader “Pro-Electoral Integrity” project, which aims to strengthen the resilience of electoral institutions in Africa, support credible and inclusive elections, and promote democratic governance, transparency, and conflict prevention across the continent.

Activity 1.9: AAEA Peer support and learning mission to Djibouti

The AAEA peer support and learning mission to Djibouti, conducted from 6 to 13 April 2026 in the context of the presidential elections, brought together representatives of African Election Management Bodies (EMBs), in collaboration with the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) and the African Union. The mission included EMB chairpersons, commissioners, and senior electoral officials from several African countries—such as Mauritania, Egypt, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Tunisia, Malawi, Namibia, Botswana and Ghana—as well as ECES experts and other electoral stakeholders.

The mission is designed as a non-partisan, peer-to-peer initiative aimed at promoting the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices in election management. It also strengthened cooperation among EMBs and provided a platform for mutual learning, technical dialogue, and institutional support.

Its main objective is to enhance electoral integrity, institutional capacity, and professionalism across participating EMBs by fostering collaboration, peer learning, and capacity building. Participants engaged in meetings with the national electoral authorities, electoral stakeholders, civil society, and media, as well as field visits and peer review activities, contributing to a shared understanding of electoral challenges and solutions while supporting Djibouti’s electoral process.

The mission is part of the broader “Pro-Electoral Integrity” project, which aims to strengthen the resilience of electoral institutions in Africa, support credible and inclusive elections, and promote democratic governance, transparency, and conflict prevention across the continent.

Activity 1.10: AAEA Peer support and learning mission to Benin

TheAAEA peer support and learning mission to Benin, conducted from 8 to 15 April 2026 in the context of the presidential elections, brought together representatives of African Election Management Bodies (EMBs), in collaboration with the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES), the African Union, and other electoral stakeholders. The mission included EMB commissioners, senior electoral officials, and experts from a diverse group of African countries—such as Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Senegal, Angola, Somalia, and Lesotho—as well as members of the AAEA Secretariat and ECES experts.

The mission is designed as a non-partisan, peer-to-peer initiative aimed at promoting the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices in election management. It strengthened cooperation among EMBs and provided a platform for technical dialogue, mutual learning, and institutional support across different electoral contexts.

Its main objective is to enhance electoral integrity, institutional capacity, and professionalism across participating EMBs by fostering collaboration, peer learning, and capacity building. Participants engaged in meetings with the Autonomous National Electoral Commission (CENA), electoral stakeholders, civil society organisations, and media representatives, as well as field visits, document exchanges, and peer review activities, contributing to a shared understanding of electoral challenges and solutions while supporting Benin’s electoral process.

The mission is part of the broader “Pro-Electoral Integrity” project, which aims to strengthen the resilience of electoral institutions in Africa, support credible and inclusive elections, and promote democratic governance, transparency, and conflict prevention across the continent.

Activity 2.1: 2024 Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation - Poland

The European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) participated in the annual implementation meeting of the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation (DoP), held in Gdańsk, Poland, from 20 to 22 November 2024. The event, hosted by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR), brought together over 85 representatives from more than 30 international election observation organisations committed to upholding high methodological and ethical standards.

The meeting provided a key platform for dialogue on emerging challenges in election observation and electoral processes. Discussions focused on issues such as the evolving role of election management bodies, improving communication of observation findings, ensuring the safety of observers in increasingly polarised environments, promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities, and addressing the growing impact of artificial intelligence on elections and observation practices.

ECES contributed to these exchanges as part of the broader international community of practice supporting electoral integrity. The meeting also highlighted the importance of sharing best practices and innovative approaches to strengthen election observation methodologies and enhance their impact.

The event took place in the historic BHP Hall of the Gdańsk shipyard and was opened by former Polish President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lech Wałęsa.

Activity 2.2: 2024 OECD Global Forum on Building Trust and Reinforcing Democracy

The European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) participated in the 2024 OECD Global Forum on Building Trust and Reinforcing Democracy, contributing to high-level discussions on the challenges facing democratic governance in an increasingly complex global context. The Forum brought together policymakers, international organisations, civil society actors, and experts to address issues such as declining public trust, political polarisation, disinformation, and the impact of digital technologies on democratic processes.

Through its participation, ECES engaged in key debates on strengthening institutional resilience, enhancing citizen participation, and safeguarding electoral integrity. The discussions also explored the role of artificial intelligence in governance and elections, as well as the importance of transparency, accountability, and inclusive democratic practices. ECES’ involvement reinforced its commitment to promoting democratic governance, supporting electoral stakeholders, and contributing to global dialogue on innovative solutions to reinforce trust in democratic institutions.

Activity 2.3: RECEF Benin – 2024

The international seminar organised by the Network of Francophone Electoral Competences (RECEF), held in Cotonou from 22 to 25 October 2024, focused on the growing challenge of information manipulation during electoral processes in the digital and social media era. Bringing together Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) and partners, the event aimed to foster exchange of experiences, strengthen cooperation, and analyse how disinformation affects trust in elections and democratic institutions.

Through a series of thematic workshops, participants examined key issues such as the impact of disinformation across the electoral cycle, digital and gender-based online violence, the evolving media ecosystem, and the role of electoral authorities in ensuring accurate and transparent communication. The seminar also included a practical training session dedicated to developing institutional action plans to prevent and respond to disinformation.

Overall, the event aimed to enhance the capacity of electoral stakeholders to address emerging digital challenges, promote credible and inclusive elections, and reinforce public trust in democratic processes.

Activity 2.4: Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC Countries - 2024

The European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) participated in the 26th Annual General Conference (AGC) of the Electoral Commissions Forum of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, held from 10 to 12 December 2024 in Seychelles and hosted by the Seychelles Electoral Commission.

As the supreme decision-making body of the Forum, the AGC brought together Chairpersons, Commissioners, and senior election officials from the 15 election management bodies of SADC countries. Established in 1998, the Forum plays a key role in strengthening electoral management and building institutional capacity across the region.

The 2024 conference was held under the theme “Digitalization and Youth Participation in Electoral Processes in the SADC Region,” providing a platform to discuss emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities related to digital technologies and youth engagement in elections. ECES contributed to these discussions by sharing its experience and engaging with regional stakeholders on innovative approaches to electoral processes and participation.

The conference was officially opened by the President of the Republic of Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan, and served as an important opportunity for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration to further strengthen electoral integrity and democratic processes in the SADC region.

Activity 2.5: AGA – APSA platform Addis Ababa

The African Union invited stakeholders, including the European Centre Electoral SUpport (ECES), to participate in the Statutory Technical and Political Meetings of the African Governance Architecture–African Peace and Security Architecture (AGA-APSA) Platform, held on 10–11 February 2025 at the African Union (AU) Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The meetings aimed to promote dialogue and coordination on governance, democracy, peace, and security across the continent.

The AGA-APSA Platform serves as a key mechanism for enhancing synergy between technical and political actors, identifying joint initiatives, and strengthening partnerships among institutions involved in governance and peacebuilding. Participants were invited to contribute to discussions and share their ongoing or planned activities to support improved coordination and impact.

Overall, the meetings provided an important forum for collaboration among continental stakeholders to advance democratic governance, human rights, and stability in Africa.

Activity 2.6: First technical meeting of ROGEAC, Gabon

The first technical meeting of ROGEAC (Network of Electoral Management Bodies in Central Africa) took place on 7–8 April 2025 in Libreville, Gabon, bringing together key stakeholders including the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES), the African Union/Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), and national electoral authorities.

The meeting focused on the establishment and structuring of the network, including the review, discussion, and finalisation of its statutes and internal regulations, as well as the validation of key elements such as governance, objectives, and membership. Participants also discussed communication and visibility strategies for the network.

On the second day, discussions addressed the organisation of the future General Assembly and the presentation of support plans from partners, including ECES, EISA, and International IDEA. Overall, the meeting aimed to strengthen coordination and cooperation among electoral bodies in Central Africa and to support the formalisation and operationalisation of ROGEAC.

Activity 2.7: ECES supports the creation of ROGEAC – The network of electoral management bodies in Central Africa

The European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES), with the support of the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA), has facilitated the establishment of ROGEAC (Network of Electoral Management Bodies in Central Africa). The Constituent Assembly of ROGEAC was held in Bujumbura, Burundi on 29 and 30 May 2025, bringing together electoral management bodies from across the region, including Burundi, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe, and the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chad.

This occasion also marked the realization of one of the long-held aspirations of one of the co-founders and first president of the board of directors of ECES, late Abbot Apollinaire Malu Malu: the establishment of a regional network of Electoral Management Bodies in Central Africa. This achievement is made possible with the support of the Pro Electoral Integrity project, which we are implementing to reinforce activities and strengthen partnerships with the African Union aimed at enhancing elections, good governance, and transitional justice, funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

ROGEAC now joins the growing family of regional electoral management bodies networks across the continent, contributing to stronger cooperation and peer exchange among electoral institutions. ECES has been committed to this process since the decision to relaunch the network was taken at the 9th Continental Forum of Electoral Management Bodies in Ghana and further advanced during the first technical meeting of ROGEAC, held in Gabon.

ECES will continue to support the network through a wide range of activities, including peer-to-peer exchanges, capacity development, leadership training, conflict prevention, promotion of electoral integrity, and the enhancement of women’s and youth’s participation in electoral processes.

Acitivity 2.8: 2025 Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation - Geneva

From 10 to 12 December 2025, the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) participated in the 20th Anniversary of the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, held at the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva. The meeting brought together endorsing organisations, international institutions, and electoral stakeholders to reflect on two decades of implementation of the Declaration and to reaffirm a shared commitment to credible and professional election observation worldwide.

The programme featured a high-level segment dedicated to recommitting to the Declaration, alongside thematic sessions addressing key challenges in contemporary election observation, including election integrity in the digital era, disinformation and artificial intelligence, political polarisation, elections in high-risk security environments, and the adaptation of observation methodologies to evolving political and financial contexts.

During the meeting, endorsing organisations adopted a Joint Press Statement reaffirming their commitment to the principles of credible, impartial, independent, and professional international election observation, as well as to continued cooperation in addressing emerging challenges affecting electoral processes globally. ECES supports this Joint Press Statement and its reaffirmation of the Declaration of Principles, which are fully aligned with its mandate and ongoing work in the field of electoral assistance and democratic governance.

On this occasion, Fabio Bargiacchi, Founder and Executive Director of ECES, addressed participants, reiterating ECES’s long-standing commitment to strengthening electoral integrity throughout the entire electoral cycle. He clarified ECES’s role within the broader election observation community, emphasising that the organisation does not conduct election observation directly, but instead supports domestic election observation organisations in partner countries.

He also outlined ECES’s structured approach, based on three complementary areas of work: electoral analysis, including Electoral Political Economy Analyses and Electoral Security Threat Assessments; capacity development and training for civil society and electoral stakeholders, implemented in partnership with academic institutions and the African Union; and the development of digital tools to support domestic observation, media monitoring, conflict mapping, and the dissemination of findings.

ECES’s participation in the anniversary meeting highlighted its continued engagement with the international election observation community and its commitment to promoting credible electoral processes and strengthening democratic governance worldwide.

Activity 3.1: African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) - Cotonou

Within the framework of the Pro-Electoral Integrity project, the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) has been supporting the African Union in the development of a strategy for the inclusion of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) into school curricula, as well as in the design of educational materials for African students.

In this context, a high-level regional meeting was held in Cotonou to advance the pilot phase of the project on the inclusion and mainstreaming of ACDEG in school curricula in West Africa. The activity, supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, brought together high-level representatives from national institutions, the African Union, and partner organisations, as well as stakeholders from the education sector and diplomatic community.

The meeting provided an important platform to present the progress achieved, exchange perspectives, and reinforce collaboration among participating countries. Discussions focused on the role of civic education in strengthening democratic values and on the practical steps required to integrate ACDEG principles into national education systems.

The event marked a significant milestone in the implementation of the project, with participants reaffirming their commitment to promoting democratic citizenship through education and advancing the integration of the developed tools and guidelines into national school curricula in selected pilot countries.

Activity 3.2: African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) - Abidjan

Since the first activity of the Pro-Electoral Integrity project in August 2022, the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) has supported the African Union in developing a strategy for the inclusion of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) in school curricula, as well as in the creation of educational materials for African students.

On 27 June, following several months of intensive work, ECES supported the African Union in launching the pilot phase of the project on the inclusion and mainstreaming of ACDEG in school curricula for the West African region. This important initiative was funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation through the Pro-Electoral Integrity project.

The event, held in Abidjan, brought together high-level representatives, including the Minister of Education and Literacy of Côte d’Ivoire, Mariatou Koné, the Minister of National Education of Guinea-Bissau, Herry Mané, and the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, as well as ambassadors from other West African countries based in Abidjan.

In her opening remarks, Julia Onnasch, former Head of Operations and Programmes at ECES, highlighted the significant achievements of the collaboration between ECES and the African Union and emphasised the crucial role that the developed tools and materials will play in shaping future generations of African citizens.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants agreed that Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau would serve as pilot countries for the integration of the developed manuals and guidelines into national school curricula.

Activity 3.3: African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) - Guinea Bissau 

From 13 to 16 January 2025, the pilot phase of the African Union project on the inclusion and mainstreaming of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) into school curricula in Guinea-Bissau was launched in Bissau. The event was organised by the African Union, with the support of the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) under the “Pro-Electoral Integrity” project, funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

During the opening ceremony, remarks were delivered by the ECES representative, Sylvestre Somo, and by the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union in Guinea-Bissau, H.E. Ovídio Barbosa Pequeno. ECES Founder and Executive Director, Fabio Bargiacchi, was also present, marking an important milestone towards the integration of democratic principles into education systems.

The keynote address was delivered by H.E. Herry Mané, Minister of National Education, Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau. From 14 to 16 January, a technical workshop brought together around 50 participants, including experts from various African countries, members of the African Union, and officials from the Government of Guinea-Bissau, notably from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Education and Higher Education. Representatives from the education sector, youth groups, civil society organisations, and development partners also took part.

The workshop marked the official launch of the pilot phase of the ACDEG project in the country and aimed to raise awareness among education stakeholders of ACDEG as a key normative framework, while establishing a clear roadmap for its implementation within the national education system.
 

Activity 3.4: Validation Meeting of the Pedagogical Toolkit for Rule of Law Stakeholders - Brazzaville

 

From 18 to 19 July 2025, a Validation Meeting of the Pedagogical Toolkit for Rule of Law Stakeholders took place in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. The meeting was organised by the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) in close partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC).

This activity was conducted within the framework of the Pro-Electoral Integrity project, implemented in collaboration with the African Union Commission and funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, whose continued support is gratefully acknowledged.

The meeting brought together a diverse group of legal experts, institutional actors, and civil society representatives from across Africa to review and finalise a pedagogical toolkit. Designed as a practical resource, the toolkit targets a wide range of rule of law stakeholders, including judges, parliamentarians, law enforcement officials, legal practitioners, and civil society organisations. It aims to strengthen capacity, promote harmonised approaches to legal governance, and reinforce constitutional accountability across AU Member States.

The development of the toolkit is the result of several years of work led by the Constitutionalism and Rule of Law Unit of the AUC’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, building on a series of regional capacity-building activities and expert consultations, including a regional training in Nouakchott, Mauritania, and a draft review session in Cotonou, Benin. By validating the toolkit in Brazzaville, the African Union and ECES seek to provide national stakeholders with a coherent, context-sensitive training resource to strengthen legal systems and support the effective administration of justice. The key outcomes of the meeting include the final validation of the pedagogical toolkit and the adoption of a roadmap for its implementation and dissemination across AU Member States, facilitating its integration into national and regional training frameworks.

Activity 3.5: African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) - Guinea Bissau

 

On 28 July 2025, the first day of activities began for the integration of themes from the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) into the national school curricula of Guinea-Bissau, through a workshop held from 28 to 31 July 2025. This activity is implemented within the framework of ECES’ Pro-Electoral Integrity project, in partnership with the African Union Commission’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (AUC-PAPS), and funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, whose continued support is gratefully acknowledged.

The workshop brings together technical experts from the African Union Commission, regional specialists, and national stakeholders from the education and governance sectors. Its primary objective is to identify and select key themes related to democracy and good citizenship for integration into Guinea-Bissau’s national curricula, and to develop a country-specific document to guide the implementation phase.

This important milestone reflects the African Union’s ongoing commitment to strengthening democratic values and civic education through inclusive and context-driven learning approaches. The outcomes of the workshop will inform the training of educational staff and the development of pedagogical materials to be implemented in schools across the country.

 

 

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

 

Activity 4.1: Continental support to the African Union on Transitional Justice.

The African Union conducts several important activities on transitional justice. The Continental Forum is an annual multi-stakeholder platform aimed at reviewing the state of Transitional Justice (TJ) in Africa with the goal of strengthening TJ mechanisms and practices. At the heart of this review is the identification of emerging issues that present new opportunities for transitional justice theory, practice, and policy interventions.The AUTJP is a continental framework that provides guidance to African Union member states on how to recover from protracted violent conflicts while in the process building peace, strengthening democratic governance, and advancing socio-economic development.

The project will support the organisation of the next forum, in addition, the project will continue its support to the Woman forum for transitional justice and the Youth focused forums on Transitional justice. This support will allow to have a brother and deeper knowledge of transitional justice not only among experts and professors, but most importantly among citizens that are the grassroot of Transitional Justice.

 

Activity 4.2: ECES takes part in the 9th African Forum on Transitional Justice in Kinshasa

 

From 30 September to 2 October 2025, Kinshasa hosts the 9th edition of the African Forum on Transitional Justice, organized by the African Union’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (AUC-DPAPS) and the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR).

The European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) actively participates alongside national institutions, researchers, practitioners, and civil society organizations.This edition highlights a central and unprecedented theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.

Over three days, the Forum brought together representatives of African Union member states, national human rights institutions, networks of victims and survivors, as well as international experts. It serves as a multi-stakeholder platform to assess progress and address the challenges related to transitional justice mechanisms across the continent.

 Key issues on the agenda include:

  • the role of reparations as a driver of justice, healing, and transformation,
  • the central place of victims and survivors,
  • the recognition of women and youth as key actors for peace and reconstruction,
  • the development of inclusive models tailored to African contexts.

The Forum’s work culminates in the adoption of the Kinshasa Declaration on Reparations, a landmark policy document designed to guide future continental policies. Speaking to LD News, Fabio Bargiacchi, ECES Executive Director, expresses his satisfaction with ECES’s contribution to this major gathering of dialogue and exchange, which brings together diverse experiences from across the continent. He underlines the importance of such initiatives in advancing transitional justice and highlights the financial support provided by the Government of Italy and the European Union, whose engagement reinforces the impact and outreach of the Forum. Through its participation, ECES reaffirmed its commitment alongside African institutions to advancing reparative justice in the service of dignity, peace, and sustainable transformation.