TUNIS, Tunisia, June 27, 2012/ -- Leading scholars and members of civil society gathered in Tunisia to debate critical issues related to the recent social and political unrest in various parts of North Africa during a workshop entitled “Major Drivers of Social Change in Africa—Overview and a Way Forward.” The workshop, organized by TrustAfrica (http://www.trustafrica.org), a Pan-African foundation dedicated to supporting equitable development and democratic governance on the continent, brought together researchers, university professors, activists and civil society practitioners both to discuss and challenge existing practices related to social change.

Africa continues to face daunting challenges in terms of governance issues. While the events during the recent “Arab Spring” opened the door for popular movements promoting democracy and citizen-focused efforts to challenge existing government norms, the growth in citizen confidence and agency is not universally welcomed. Some governments feel the expanding civic space poses a threat to their previously unfettered control and hegemony. In several countries, governments have adopted autocratic and authoritarian responses to citizens’ demands for more transparency and accountability while others stealthily seek to lengthen their terms in office. A number of governments have also introduced legislation designed to constrain, weaken, or even close down civil society organizations. Without doubt, this democratic recession poses a major threat to Africa’s future stability and development.

The workshop was intended to discuss in detail the context under which the Arab Spring took place, and provide a platform for a dialogue between countries in North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. Participants were drawn from Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, Mozambique, and Senegal. During the workshop there was a clear demand for more platforms like these, as well as the need to network the youth across the various countries of Africa. The youth are a critical factor to pay attention to during this time in Africa’s history.

There were deep discussions also on religion and how it has been politicized. Another theme that came through strongly was that of the “post-modern coup.” This new form of coup involves tactics by dictators on regulating the social media and using that space to target social activists 

In addition to the workshop, the meeting offered an opportunity for a preview of a new book edited by TrustAfrica.  The book, entitled (Dis)Enabling the Public Sphere: Civil Society Regulation in Africa (Volume 2) is part of a three-volume series focused on the regulatory environment for civil society.  Volume 2 focuses on North Africa and includes thematic discussions on the main drivers of change in the region, in particular, youth, women, religion and social media, based on the events that took place around the Arab Spring. The book builds on Volume 1, released in 2011, that focused on Southern Africa and some countries in Central and East Africa. A final volume covering West Africa is due out in 2013.

To see the closing session of our workshop, visit our YouTube channel here.

For more information, please contact Sue Telingator, Communications Officer (in Senegal) at (221) 33 869 60 61 or by email at .

 UN Security Council Delegation Meets with Liberian Civil Society to Discuss Issues of Governance, Arms Trade and Reconciliation

Monrovia (May 20, 2012).  Senior Liberian civil society leaders of Liberia met with the United Nations Security Council Delegation that visited Liberia during the weekend. Co-leaders, Her Excellency Susan Rice, Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations and His Excellency Ambassador Mohammed Loulichki, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United Nations led the UN Security Council Delegation. While in Liberia, the delegation met with Liberian Government officials including President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who officially welcomed the delegation and briefed them on the affairs of State. A State Dinner was held for the delegation on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at the Monrovia City Hall.

TrustAfrica is the proud sponsor of “Create, Inspire, Change,” a three-day arts convening that will take place in Harare, Zimbabwe from April 30 to May 2^nd.  The event, held in collaboration with Pamberi Trust and Magamba will feature appearances by Senegal’s Didier Awadi and his band, as well as a series of workshops.  The first, “The Role of Arts and Culture in Transforming our Continent” will take place April 30 from 5 PM to 7 PM and feature a panel consisting of Didier Awadi, Paul Brickhill, Petina Gapah and Bheki Moyo.  The second, May 1, called “Create —Inspire—Change,” includes creative writing for change, social media for cultural activists, graffiti, drums, bass, vocals and more.  It takes place from 1 PM to 4 PM.  On the final day, Most Conscious Vibrations, will feature Didier Awadi and Band, a Hip Hop Segment with Upmost, Synik, NTM, GODOBORI, Aura, Mizchif backed by Chabvondoka, and a Reggae Segment  with Dadza D Thanda Eyahra backed by Hotta Faya Band.  The concert takes place from 11 PM to 1 AM on May 2nd. We look forward to seeing you there!