Over 30 civil society groups working on democracy and governance in Africa came together in Pretoria, South Africa, on 22-23 February 2010, to discuss strategies for the popularization, ratification, and implementation of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, which was adopted by the African Union in January 2007.  These groups discussed the significance of the Charter particulary now that the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government has been witnessed in Africa in recent years. The meeting also focused on civil society strategies for popularize the Charter among various stakeholders and identify targets for the ratification process. In addition to Ethiopia and Mauritania, two countries - Sierra Leone and Bukina Faso - recently ratified the Charter. During the meeting, it was announced by South Africa's Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms. Sue van der Merwe, that South African President Jacob Zuma recently signed the Charter and asked the Parliament to ratify. In order for the Charter to come to effect, at least 15 countries need to ratify. TheThe meeting was organized by IDASA and the African Democracy Forum (ADF).  Please see the Declaration issued by the meeting participants.

Also, read the speech delivered by South Africa Deputy Minister Ms. Sue van der Merwe.