Democratic Solidarity Africa
The Democratic Solidarity Africa (DSA) network was established in 2023 in response to direct appeals from African democracy advocates within the Forum 2000 community. Its inception was inspired by the accomplishments of Democratic Solidarity Latin America (DSLA), established in 2013 with goals of information exchange, mutual support, and collaborative actions aimed at bolstering democracy in the region.
DSA has since developed into a structured, pan-African network bringing together 60 trusted democracy leaders from 25 African countries to produce policy briefs and analytical papers on political trends, provide rapid response commentary on crises and developing situations, amplify African voices on the global stage, and build alliances with international actors. With strong gender balance and representation across regions, the network connects democratic advocates from civil society, parliaments, academia, government, the private sector, youth movements, media, and digital activism to address common problems and identify potential solutions.
Many African nations continue to suffer from corruption, repression, and nepotism that severely limit civil and political rights and expose deficiencies within existing governance systems. Despite sporadic progress, countries still struggle with critical issues of democratic fragility, economic stagnation, and instability. Democratic Solidarity Africa aims to tackle this challenge by promoting unity and solidarity among democracy defenders across the continent.
The network aims to:
- Foster, strengthen and cultivate solidarity among democracy advocates in the region through collaborative action on various pressing themes
- Amplify African voices and perspectives in global and regional dialogues
- Develop the project into a long-term and stable network
STEERING COMMITTEE
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Mohamed Abubakr
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Roukaya Kasenally (Chair)
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Jakub Klepal
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Mulle Musau
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Andréa Ngombet
ACTIVITIES
The launch of the project in 2023 enabled the network to meet in person during the 27th and 28th Forum 2000 Conferences in Prague. At Forum 2000, participants had a unique opportunity to share their perspectives on some of the most pressing challenges facing democracy in Africa, including the dilemmas posed by recent waves of coups across the continent, the complexities of Russian and Chinese influences, the war in Sudan, grassroots initiatives in Africa, strategies for promoting free and open spaces in North and West Africa, and many others.
Throughout the year, network members collaborate on various initiatives online, organizing virtual discussions on relevant themes, issuing joint statements, developing analytical papers, and more.
From Moment to Movement Challenges Facing Gen Z Activism in Africa | Background Paper
The panel discussion “African Outlook: Geopolitics, Localization, and Ownership”
Joint statement calling for Immediate Release of Thomas Zgambo and Condemning the Ongoing Harassment of Journalists in Zambia
Selection of Photographs from the Conference Panel Discussions and Network Meetings
Audio Briefings
Members of the DSA network with the opportunity to share their inputs in audio briefings.
Simbi Anzaya
Perspectives on Democracy in Africa: Importance of Social Justice, Inclusivity and Gender Parity
Tutu Alicante
Perspectives on Democracy in Africa: Role of Legislation and International Community
