Lome Peace and Security Forum

1.  In line with the pertinent conclusions drawn from the first Ministerial Conference of the African Political Alliance (APA), held in Lomé, Togolese Republic, on May 3, 2023, ministers of Foreign Affairs and representatives from member states of the APA, as well as observer states, convened on March 15,2024, in Bamako,Republic of Mali, on the sidelines of the West Africa regional conference, preceding the 9th Pan-African Congress. 2.  The African Political Alliance was launched at the initiative of the Togolese Republic as a framework for enhanced consultation and dialogue among African nations committed to the ideals of pan Africanism and determined to work towards a politically strong, independent, unencumbered, non-aligned Africa capable of playing an active role in global governance. 3.  The opening ceremony and meeting proceedings were presided over by H.E. Prof. Robert DUSSEY, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and Togolese Abroad. 4.  The ministerial meeting primarily focused on the examination and consolidation of the draft Charter of the African Political Alliance. 5.  Following the review of the agenda items,the States reaffirmed their commitment to a self-assured and sovereign Africa, better represented and fully assuming its responsibilities on the international stage in a context of profound upheaval and unprecedented decentralization in modern human history. 6.  States reiterated their commitment to speak with one voice where necessary, promote the ideals of pan-Africanism, strengthen solidarity among member states, defend the sovereignty and interests of member states, combat any form of external interference, support each other politically, diplomatically, economically, in the promotion of peace and the fight against terrorism, amplify Africa’s voice and positions, and enhance its role in international forums. 7.  The next Ministerial Conference will take place in Lomé and will focus on finalizing and adopting the Charter of the African Political Alliance. Done in Bamako, March 15, 2024

We, participants and stakeholders, gathered on the occasion of the first edition of the Lomé Peace and Security Forum, held on21 and22 October 2023 in Lomé, Republic of Togo, on the theme “How to strengthen political transitions towards democratic governance in Africa?”; Guided by the principles and ideals of democracy and the_rylevant uN Resolutions, in particular General Assembly Resolutions A/RES/55/96 of 4 December 2000 and A/RES/62/7 of 13 December 2007 and Human Rights Council Resolutions, in particular Resolutions A/HRC/RES/19/36 of 23 March 2012 and A/HRC/RES/34/41 0f 24 March 2017; Considering the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 16 December 1966 and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women adopted on 18 December 1979; Considering the United Nations Secretary-General’s Guidance Note on Democracy of 08 September 2009 and the April 2008 Guidance Note on Strengthening the Rule of Law; Considering the Constitutive Act of the African Union adopted in Lomé on 11 July 2000, in particular its Articles 3 and 4 on the promotion of democratiô principles and institutions, human and peoples’ rights, good governance, popular participation and the rule of law; Considering also the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance adopted in Addis Ababa on 30 January 2A07, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights adopted in Nairobi on 1 June 1981, Aspiration 3 of 2063 Agenda adopted in Addis-Ababa on 31 January 2015, the Lomé Declaration on unconstitutional changes of government adopted on July 12, 2OOO and the Declaration on Terrorism and Unconstitutional changes of Government adopted on 28 May 2022 in Malabo; Bearing in mind the Protocol on the establishment of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union, the various communiqués of the meetings of this Council on transitions in Africa, in particular Communique PSC/PR/COMM.1152 (2023) of 23 May 2023 on the transition in Chad, Communiqué PSC/PR/COMM.1162 (2023) of 20 July 2023 on the updated situation in the Sahel and Communiqué PSC/PR/COMM.1172 (2023) of 31 August 2023 on the situation in Gabon following the regime change; Considering the Final Communiqué of the First Ministerial Conference of the African Political Alliance (APA) held on 03 lVlay 2023 in Lomé, particularly its paragraphs 29 and 30 which stress the need for African Nations to strengthen their bonds of solidarity, their cooperative relations and to explore endogenous ways of financing the fight against terrorism which constitutes a real danger for democracy on the continent; Concerned about the state of democracy and good governance in Africa despite the progress made over the last three decades on the continent in improving governance and in the conduct of public affairs; Concerned also by the threats facing democracies both under construction and the more established; Noting with concern that the disconnect between the promises of democracy and the reality of governance in Africa creates and reinforces the scepticism of the people towards democracy that must be perceived as a process, an unfinished and perfectible project and not as an achievement; Recognizing the need to work towards strengthening the rule of law, justice, democratic institutions, participatory and inclusive governance on the continent, including accountability; Convinced of the important role of the rule of law in the lasting pacification of social relations and in the maintenance of regular and peaceful relations between nations; Aware that the fight against violent extremism and terrorism is not incompatible with democracy, human rights, the rule of law; Firmly convinced that democracy remains the means par excellence for ensuring peace, human progress and sustainable development in Africa; Reaffirming That the first of human and peoples’ rights is the right to development; Bearing in mind the hazards, uncertainties and unpredictable situations of political transitions, while being convinced that these could also constitute an opportunity for profound structural transformation for the countries concerned and their populations; Considering the dual challenge of breaking with unconstitutional changes of government, on the one hand, and making political transitions opportunities for strengthening democracy, building state resilience and strengthening the rule of law, on the other hand; Aware of the need to pursue political transitions and adapt it to the nature of the challenges and thus taking into account the deep and endogenous spirit of our societies in order to better adapt the instruments and tools of governance, at all organizational levels, sub-regional, regional and international; Convinced that the strengthening of transitions towards democratic governance depends strongly on the adherence of transitional governments to the principles and ideals of democracy, the adoption and implementation of essential and indispensable reforms; Noting the need to maintain a constructive dialogue with countries in political transition and to accompany them in order to support the consolidation of democracy and, beyond that, the democratization movement in Africa oriented towards the building of open societies, pluralistic, tolerant, free and based on law and strong institutions; Welcoming the relevance and timeliness of the theme of the first edition of the Lomé Peace and Security Forum, which reflects Togo’s interest in issues of strengthening democratic governance, peace and security in Africa and its ability to think outside the box and put on the continental agenda major issues that determine Africa’s present and future in a changing international context; We declare the following: Political transitions must be guided by the main objectives of strengthening democratic governance, strengthening the resilience of the State, institutions and the rule of law in an environment characterized by the emergence of new security challenges and the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government where it is essential to promote African expertise in the search for solutions to African problems. For this purpose, AS REGARDS TO STRENGTHENING OF TRANSITIONS TO DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE 1. We invite governments of countries in transition to resolutely direct their actions and the conduct of processes towards the consolidation of democratic governance. 2. We call for political transitions, which must serve as opportunities to effect change, bold reforms and profound socio-political transformations, more inclusive and participatory. 3. We further call on countries in transition to work towards a constitutional framework that ensures the balance of powers and fundamental freedoms, respects human rights and promotes a more equitable society and

The 1st edition of the Lomé Forum on Peace and Security ended on Sunday. It made it possible to broadly address political transitions and problems of democratic governance in Africa. In a declaration sanctioning the work, a number of recommendations were made to African leaders. In the official declaration, participants expressed their concern about the state of democracy and good governance in Africa despite the progress made over the past three decades on the continent. They spoke of the threats facing both emerging and well-established democracies. They then noted that the “disconnect between the promises of democracy and the reality of governance in Africa creates and reinforces the skepticism of populations vis-à-vis democracy which must be perceived as a process, an unfinished project and perfectible and not taken for granted. Thus, they recognize the need to work to strengthen the rule of law, justice, democratic institutions, participatory and inclusive governance on the continent, including accountability. Indeed, the participants in the Lomé forum say they are “convinced of the important role of the rule of law in the lasting pacification of social relations and in the maintenance of regular and peaceful relations between nations”. Likewise, they say they are aware that the fight against violent extremism and terrorism is not incompatible with democracy, human rights and the rule of law. But they are “firmly convinced that democracy remains the means par excellence to ensure peace, human progress and sustainable development in Africa”. Therefore, they reaffirm that the first of human and peoples’ rights is the right to development. But the Forum keeps in mind the vagaries, uncertainties and unpredictable situations specific to political transitions. And assures that these transitions “could also constitute an opportunity for profound structural transformation for the countries concerned and their populations”. On this subject, a double challenge is considered: That of breaking with unconstitutional changes of government, on the one hand, and that of making political transitions opportunities for consolidating democracy, building the resilience of the State and strengthening the rule of law, on the other hand. The participants also express the need to build political transitions adapted to the nature of the challenges and which take into account the deep and endogenous drivers of our societies. This is in order to better adapt governance instruments and tools, including at the level of sub-regional, regional and international organizations. “The strengthening of transitions towards democratic governance depends strongly on the adherence of transitional governments to the principles and ideals of democracy, the adoption and implementation of essential and indispensable reforms”, underlines the declaration which sanctioned the works. Thus, a call is made to maintain a constructive dialogue with countries in political transition and to support them in order to support the consolidation of democracy; and, beyond that, the democratization movement in Africa oriented towards the building of open, pluralist, tolerant, free societies based on law and solid institutions. “Political transitions must be guided by the main objectives of strengthening democratic governance, consolidating the resilience of the State, institutions and the rule of law in an environment characterized by the emergence of new security and “The resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government where it is essential to promote African expertise in the search for solutions to African problems,” declared the participants at the Lomé Peace and Security Forum. Governments of countries in transition are therefore asked to resolutely direct their actions and the conduct of processes towards the consolidation of democratic governance. They are called to make political transitions, opportunities for change, bold reforms and profound socio-political transformations, more inclusive and participatory. “Let us also call on countries in transition to work towards the establishment of a constitutional framework guaranteeing the balance of powers and fundamental freedoms, respecting human rights and promoting a more equitable society and good -be citizens,” we can read in the document. However, the Lomé forum calls for “going beyond purely formal approaches to political transitions to make them real opportunities for rebuilding and consolidating democratic achievements”. It is therefore a question of taking into account local specificities and the requirements relating to the restoration of constitutional order through free, fair, equitable and transparent elections. “Let us affirm that economic development, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. Let us call for work to promote the socio-economic and cultural rights of citizens in order to strengthen the social dimension of democratic governance,” we can say.

H.E.Ms. Victoire Tomegah-Dogbe, the Prime Minister of Togo officially opened the 1st Lomé Forum on Peace and Security. It was in the presence of the special representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Léonardo Santos Simão. The work addresses political transitions and democratic governance in Africa. The meeting was initiated by Togo and the African Political Alliance (APA). It records the participation of representatives of African and non-African governments, high-level experts, civil society organizations, academics, media, international organizations, business and professional organizations. The work takes place under the general theme: “How to strengthen political transitions towards democratic governance in Africa”. According to the head of government of Togo, the Lomé Forum on Peace and Security or Lome Peace and Security Forum (LPSF) is being held at a time when humanity is facing immense challenges in the governance of peace and security. security depriving countries of peaceful prospects for harmonious development. Victoire Tomégah-Dogbé lists the political uncertainties, security threats as well as the wind of economic and financial crises. “This forum is intended to be an opportunity for informed exchanges and shared reflections on the necessary endogenous appropriation of our collective approach to democratic consolidation. It is a space conducive to the emergence of proposals of bold relevance and realism,” declared Ms. Tomegah-Dogbé. Among the personalities present, the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Léonardo Santos Simão, special representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, the foreign ministers of Chad, Central Africa, Burkina Faso and Mali. Prof Robert Dussey, Togolese Minister of Foreign Affairs underlined the commitment of Togolese diplomacy to work for a peaceful Africa less vulnerable to shocks. All this in accordance with the guidelines of the Togolese head of state, Faure Gnassingbé. “In this sense, Togo launched with other countries last May in Lomé the African Political Alliance (APA) which is a framework for consultation, political dialogue and common actions based on historical ties of brotherhood and principles of sovereign equality of States, independence, interdependence and unity of actions,” said Prof Dussey. The head of Togolese diplomacy specified that the Lomé Forum on Peace and Security serves as a permanent framework for reflection with a view to formulating realistic recommendations to decision-makers involved in the management of the continent’s political and security crises. Likewise, it will provide a space to undertake a process of dialogue and mediation. For this first edition of Lomé Peace and Security Forum, 5 panels will be organized. Participants will discuss the factors of fragility of state institutions in Africa; political and security challenges that hinder the transition to democratic governance; the establishment of strong institutions and the rule of law in Africa; or the role of sub-regional and international organizations in supporting transitions. Without forgetting the mobilization of African innovation and agility. At the end of this 1st edition of the Lomé Forum on Peace and Security, relevant proposals and recommendations are expected by the participants.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Togolese Abroad met, on October 23, 2023, the brilliant young africans rigorously selected to take part in the first edition of the “Lome Peace and Security Forum”. The head of Togolese diplomacy had very rich exchanges of around 02 hours with the young people of the LPSF, exchanges during which Prof. Dussey expressed his satisfaction and pride for their rich contributions made during the various panels of the forum. Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Somalia, Dr. Abdisaid Muse Ali also took part in the meeting.

The 1st edition of the Lomé Peace and Security Forum will be held on 21 and 22 October. This event is an initiative of the Head of State, Faure Gnassingbé, and reinforces Togo’s commitment to working with the other States of the continent, regional integration organisations, the African Union, the United Nations and all other partners to preserve continental peace and stability. The first edition of the Lomé Peace and Security Forum is organised around the theme “How to strengthen transitions towards democratic governance in Africa”. The event, which comes a month after the launch of the African Political Alliance (APA) by the government and the holding of its first ministerial conference on 03 May in Lomé, is part of a series of African initiatives designed to respond to the continent’s need to work harder to consolidate peace and build collective security in an environment marked by the emergence of new areas of tension and the complexity of the security challenges posed by the growing threat of terrorism and transnational organised crime. Representatives of African and non-African governments, high-level experts, civil society organisations, academics, the media, international organisations, the business community and professional organisations are expected to attend. “The aim of the Lomé Peace and Security Forum is to develop a new way of understanding and interpreting political transitions, taking into account the contexts and dynamics of their emergence, as well as the crucial issues and challenges involved in strengthening democratic governance in Africa”, said the Togolese government in a press release. Over the course of two days, participants will discuss, among other things, the factors that make institutions in Africa fragile, the challenges of building solid institutions, building and strengthening the rule of law, the role of regional and international organisations in supporting political transitions, the political challenges of consolidating democratic governance in transition periods and the security challenges facing political transitions underway on the continent. At the end, a series of relevant proposals and recommendations will be made by the participants, focusing on consolidating peace, strengthening the African security system and democratic governance, building strong institutions and the rule of law, and gaining a better understanding of the role of multilateral organisations in monitoring transitions.    TOGO EN LIVE

The Togolese capital is hosting the first edition of the Lomé Peace and Security Forum on 21 and 22 October. Initiated by Togo, the event comes a month after the launch of the African Political Alliance (APA), one of the main pillars of which is African leadership on the continent’s problems and on issues relating to peace and security. The forum will bring together representatives of African and non-African governments, experts, civil society, academia, the media, international organisations, the business community and professional organisations. Strengthening transitions to democratic governance in Africa will be the theme of the conference. Other topics of discussion include the fragility of institutions in Africa, the role of regional and international organisations in supporting political transitions, and the challenges of consolidating democratic governance during periods of transition on the continent. Togo’s objective is to “develop a new prism for understanding and reading political transitions, taking into account the contexts and dynamics of their emergence, as well as the crucial issues and challenges relating to the strengthening of democratic governance in Africa”, explained the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (IMPARTIAL ACTU)