Mr. Chairman
Excellencies,
Distinguished Participants
Ladies and Gentlemen, 

I should like, on behalf of the Secretary General of the OAU, Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim, to pay deserved tribute to the organizers of this Conference on “Democracy, Civil Society and Governance in Africa”.  It is encouraging to note that this is the second conference organized by the Development Policy Management Forum (DPMF).  It is also encouraging to note that this time the focus is on country case studies.  The objective is to measure the progress of democratization and good governance in the so-called “early starters” countries.  Indeed, it is the hope of the OAU that this second Conference will, as intended, contribute to both the debate on democratization in Africa and to strengthening strategies and policies for democratization in African countries. 

            I should like to take this opportunity to welcome the participants of this Conference to Addis Ababa, the Headquarters of the Organization of African Unity.  I should also wish them a good stay in Addis Ababa and I hope that they will find time to enjoy the socio-cultural niceties of this capital city of Africa. 

            Questions related to democracy, civil society and governance have attracted the attention and remained on the priority agenda of the OAU and its Member States since the beginning of the 1990s.  Indeed, the adoption of the African Charter on popular participants and development in the late 1980s marked a significant shift in Africa’s political agenda. 

            The Charter on popular participation was reinforced by the adoption, in 1990, of the Declaration of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the OAU, on the political and economic situation in Africa and the fundamental changes taking place in the world. 

            In that Declaration, the African leaders were cognizant of the fact that in order to facilitate a process of socio-economic transformation and integration, it was necessary to promote popular participation of the African peoples in the process of government and development.  It was, in this context, that the African leaders held the view that the political environment which guarantees human rights and the observance of the rule of law, would ensure high standards of probity and accountability, particularly on the part of those who hold public office.  It was also the view of the leaders that a popularly based political process would ensure involvement of all, including in particular, women and youth in the development efforts. 

            Since then, Africa, despite devastating conflicts, as well as its dismal economic performance, has re-committed itself to the further democratization of civil societies and the consolidation of democratic institutions on the Continent.  But the African leaders have categorically reserved the right of their countries to determine, in all sovereignty, their system of democracy on the basis of their socio-cultural values, taking into account the realities of each of their countries and the necessity to ensure development and satisfy the basic needs of the African peoples. 

            We, at the OAU, are convinced that the Continent has made significant strides in the consolidation of democracy, the promotion of good governance and in building new partnerships with the civil societies or member states.  We have been working to explore how best to mainstream grass root organizations, especially Women and Youth NGOs, in conflict resolution, in regional cooperation and integration, and in promoting and consolidating democracy and good governance in Africa. 

            Many African countries have embarked upon a process of political transition with the objective of institutionalizing democratic practices through the growth of a culture of democracy that is compatible with their own political and cultural traditions, and through the development of both governmental and civil society institutions, that were necessary to make democracy operational.  They have committed themselves to promoting good governance, strengthening civil society, enhancing citizens sense of belongingness and encouraging the integration of marginalized sections of the community in the economic, social and political life of their countries. 

            To that end, the OAU General Secretariat follows closely developments regarding the democratization process, and plays an important role in observing the electoral process in its Member States.  The OAU has so far taken part in the observation of some sixty presidential and legislative elections at the invitation of the countries concerned. 

            It is therefore not surprising that this Continent, which is often referred to as a Continent in crisis, beset with devastating conflicts and dismal economic performance, has witnessed over the last decade the holding of numerous elections organized on a multiparty basis.  In 1996, eighteen States in Africa conducted multi-party elections and, in 1997, over ten countries were involved in multi-party elections. 

            The Continent’s leaders have also resolved to establish, within the OAU, a Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution.  This is in recognition of the fact that, while conflicts hamper progress towards democratization and undermine efforts aimed at building good governance in Africa, lack of democracy and good governance may also constitute a major source of conflict in Africa.  It is in this perspective that the OAU has decided to embark simultaneously on conflict resolution and at the same time, promoting democracy and building good governance in Africa. 

            The overriding challenge with the OAU is how to lay solid foundation for democracy and enduring peace.  In Africa today the greatest challenges to peace and democracy arise not so much between nations as within them.  Much of this could be attributed to lack of equitable distribution of political power and economic resources, as an issue of major concern to those involved in the promotion of peace and democracy.  We should, therefore, see peace and democracy, not only as an end but as a precondition for sustainable development, which in itself is impossible without democracy, justice, equality, solidarity and freedom.  Indeed, peace as the essential challenge would remain elusive while we continue to gear investment to fighting improbable wars, rather than addressing the problems that constitute the most potent threat to human society, namely, lack of democracy, good governance and respect for the rule of law. 

            To conclude my brief remarks, I wish to underline the importance, we at the OAU, attach to the promotion of good governance and democracy on the Continent.  I wish also to underscore how sensitive and appreciative we are to the initiatives, especially those genuine ones like yours aimed at supporting our Member States in their efforts at democratization. 

            I wish you every success in your deliberations.