AU WATCH

Participating In the African Governance Architecture (AGA)

The overall political and institutional framework for the promotion of democracy, governance and human rights in Africa is the African Governance Architecture (AGA), established during the 16th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government in 2011. The AGA is composed of three principal pillars: (i) norms; (ii) organs and institutions and (iii) oversight mechanisms. This Unit focuses on the AU organs with a human rights mandate.

Want to assist in reshaping governance in Africa, as part of our contribution to Agenda 2063?

Well … we invite you to take part in ‘The Reshaping African Governance & Democracy Project’.This is an initiative of AU Watch that aims to analyse, debate, and help improve the state of African democracy via a series of regular publications and events.

The project, which is situated within the Policy Programs Directorate of AU Watch will follow two main streams of activities: It will produce a series of evidence-based assessments, prepared by a core team of AU Watch Fellows and Independent Experts based in different countries across Africa, and, together with African based CS)s, it will regularly convene a wider African Democracy Group of Experts and Officials to debate issues related to democracy, with an eye to improving democracy in the continent.

Interested? Then get in touch.

Africans have acknowledged that development must be revamped by a democratic approach employing the energy and devotion of African people—who alone can make development sustainable. This recognition emerged from the Arusha Conference “Putting the People First” of February 1990, convened under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and attended by over 500 delegations representing grass roots organizations, nongovernmental organizations, United Nations agencies, and governments. The African Charter for Popular Participation in Development and Transformation, which was adopted by the plenary, holds that the absence of democracy is a principal reason for the persistent development challenges facing Africa.

You might also be interested in taking part in the following projects and activities:

Using Digital Tools and he New Media to Hold Government Accountable In Africa

Are you interested in advancing and informing public discourse and citizen participation around the most pressing issues of our time through the use of new media tools and technologies, including an AU Watch Online Radio, AU Watch Internet TV to enable enhanced awareness and education about key governance issues affecting the African continent.? Get in touch.

This project aims to promote fundamental freedoms, human rights, and the free flow of information online through integrated support to civil society for technology, digital safety, policy and advocacy, and governance.

Using E-education and the New Media to Improve Government Transparency, Accountability and Rule of Law in Africa

The project will assist governments in Africa in their efforts to prevent, detect and fight corruption and promote integrity, transparency, accountability and the rule of law within countries through civic education.

AU Watch is designing unique multidisciplinary anti-corruption courses specifically for primary and secondary schools across Africa. These courses also provide students with an understanding of the theoretical, legal and operational concepts related to corruption as well as practical means to develop effective strategies for dealing with this very complex issue, even for these young minds. Using blended learning, interactive tools and an online and offline approach, the curriculum focuses on lessons, practices and ideas from a variety of domains and contexts.

Got your attention? Ok, let us know!

Freedom of Information Project

The Freedom of Information Acts gives a member of the public the right of access to information held by public authorities. The project promotes the right of access to information through comparative research, coordinating regional advocacy, facilitating information-sharing and capacity building.

Contact us for more information.

Project Support the Truth and Those Who Report It

The project seeks to support an open, inclusive environment in which media and civil society provide accurate and impartial information that promotes participation, inclusion, and accountability. A core focus of this activity is the engagement and empowerment of women and youth in order to elevate their voices, influence, and issues in the public sphere as both producers and consumers of information. 

Contact us for more information.