The African Inter-Party Dialogue Network Advancing Governance, Peace and Development in Africa
An Experience Sharing Workshop in Support of African Inter-Party Dialogue Mechanisms was held from 10 th – 12 th May 2022 in Ethiopia. The workshop was organised by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) with technical support from Social Innovation Africa (SIA), a Pan African Non-Governmental Organisation.
Experience Sharing Workshop in Support of the African Inter-Part Dialogue Mechanisms, 10 th – 12 th May 2022
The meeting brought together officials from the IGAD and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Secretariats, National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) officials, experts, and representatives of inter-party dialogue mechanisms, from Senegal, Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda. The meeting concluded that dialogue is the best way for resolving and mediating conflicts as well as promoting consensus and ownership for any governance transformational and reform agenda in Africa. A key decision of the workshop was to establish an African Inter-Party Dialogue Network.
Launch of the African Inter-Party Dialogue Network (AIPDN)
On 13 th July 2023, a significant milestone in the pursuit of democratic governance, peace, and development in Africa was achieved as the African Inter-Party Dialogue Network (AIPDN) was officially launched. AIPDN, a groundbreaking platform, aims to foster inter-party dialogue and strengthen multi-party democracy across the continent. With inter-party dialogue serving as a vital avenue for promoting the national agenda, consensus building, and conflict prevention, AIPDN seeks to reduce unhealthy rivalries and tensions often associated with competitive multi- party electoral systems. By providing a platform for learning, experience sharing, and collaboration, AIPDN is set to transform the governance- peace-security-development nexus in Africa.
Official launch of the AIPDN, University of Nairobi, 13 th July 2023
AIPDN facilitate conversations among political parties, policy-makers, and stakeholders to foster societal harmony beyond the realm of electoral politics. The network recognizes the crucial role of inter-party dialogue mechanisms in sustaining peace and stability, policy formulation, public administration, parliamentary processes, conflict resolution, peace mediation, and promoting good governance.
AIPDN’;s guiding principles emphasize the importance of cooperation with other inter-party dialogue mechanisms in Africa. The specific objectives and activities in the following:
(i) Within the framework of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and the African Governance Architecture (AGA), as, and on request, support the African Union (AU) and Regional Economic Communities (RECs)/Regional Mechanisms (RMs), in the execution
of their mandates in promoting good governance and peace and security on the continent and member states.
(ii) To expand knowledge on emerging trends including innovations, skills, tools and approaches to the typologies of inter-party dialogues.
(iii) Identify the commonalities and variations for informing policy at the country level and deepening learning, experience sharing and public engagement.
(iv) Encourage Regional and Continental Inter-governmental organisations to strengthen inter-party dialogue mechanisms among member countries.
(v) Strengthen regional support mechanisms, strategies and programmes to enhance inter-party dialogue mechanisms
(vi) Support the development of a model framework on inter-party dialogue mechanisms in Africa.
(vii) Encourage and provide a platform and forum for all stakeholders to exchange experiences and information.
(viii) Strengthen the technical capacity of its members and other stakeholders through the provision of appropriate training programmes.
Partner Organisations:
Founding partner organizations include Social Innovation Africa (SIA), Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs (IPPIA) at USIU-A, African Youth Initiative Network (AYINET), University of Nairobi, Africa Bioethics Network (ABN), Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) – Ghana. AIPDN has collaborative agreements with the National Democratic institute for International Affairs (NDI) and is the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Mediation Support Unit (MSU).
