Date: March 22 , 2024
Time: 03:00 pm-04:00 pm
Venue: United Hotel, Mbankomo
Online Zoom  : Register now

Background

The debate on peace and security in Central Africa revolves around two key elements: the importance of strong institutions versus the need for influential leaders. Each of these aspects of the debate presents persuasive arguments in favor of each school of thoughts. For example, the argument put forward by proponents of strong institutions focuses on strong governance structures, the rule of law, and transparency as essential to maintaining lasting peace and security in the region. According to this school of thought, peace and security are ensured when countries establish institutions that fight corruption, respect the rule of law, and ensure general transparency at all levels. Strong-leader advocates tend to emphasize that influential individuals, especially charismatic ones, are the driving forces behind peace and security in the country. The emphasis is on the role of these leaders in shaping and guiding complex political landscapes, such as bringing together diverse ethnic alliances. They promote peace and security by developing a sense of national identity and unity among different ethnic groups. How to reconcile these two approaches is at the heart of this public debate. Should there be heavy reliance on leaders who may develop a form of authoritarianism, or should robust institutions be at the forefront of peace and security in Central Africa? Is there a way for these approaches to work side by side? With this in mind, the Nkafu Policy Institute is organizing a public debate on the topic: “Strong Institutions versus Strong Leaders for Peace and Security in Central Africa”. The debate aims to explore these issues in greater depth and to highlight the importance of good governance as a fundamental condition for progress in Central Africa.

Format of the debate

The structure of the 90-minute debate is as follows:

• The debate panel will consist of TWO (2) experts. One will argue FOR the proposal and the other AGAINST the proposal. The moderator will give opening remarks and inform the audience about the matter on ground. One debater will focus on the role of strong institutions in promoting peace and security, while the second will discuss the role of strong leaders. This will take 5 minutes. He/she will proceed by inviting the debaters to the stage. Debaters will have 10 minutes for their opening remarks. The next 40 minutes will be devoted to moderated discussions, with each team having 3 minutes to respond. Twenty (20) minutes will be devoted to questions from the audience and each debater will have 2 minutes for the closing speech.
• The entire debate will be video recorded and broadcasted live on the social media platforms of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation. During the debate, the panelists will have to defend their point of view with facts, statistics and experience. No presentations (e.g. PowerPoint) will be allowed. Panelists are also expected to give interviews to the media after the debate and to share a meal with the team.

Expected results

At the end of this debate, participants will have a deeper understanding of the strengths and limitations of strong institutions and strong leaders in promoting peace and security in Central Africa as well as identifying potential synergies between strong institutions and strong leaders in fostering peace and security to formulate suggestions and recommendations in order to enhance peace and security in Central Africa.

Target audience

The debate targets more than 50 participants from various fields of expertise and will enable them to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones. Participants include Politicians, decision makers, think tank leaders, humanitarian organizations, non-governmental organizations, academics and researchers, students, and civil society actors. Participation is free of charge. Thanks to financial support from its partner, the Open Society Foundation (OSF-Africa).

Note

This event is organized on the sidelines of the two-day Leadership and Advocacy Immersion for Think Tank Leaders and Researchers, scheduled for March 21-22, 2024 at the Hotel United in Mbankomo. The event will be hybrid, online via the zoom platform. Only a few participants will be allowed to attend the event in person at the United Hotel Mbankomo.

Contact

Tel: +237 654 86 72 54

Email: [email protected]