Secretary-General stresses interdependence of democracy, peace, development

in message to workshop on promoting peaceful african transitions

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message to a workshop on promoting peaceful democratic transitions in Africa, as delivered by Cheick Sidi Diarra, Special Adviser on Africa and High Representative for Least Developed Countries, in Bamako, Mali, today, 24 November:

It is a pleasure to send greetings to the participants in this workshop on promoting peaceful democratic transitions in Africa.

I thank President [Ahmadou Toumani] Touré, his Government and the people of Mali for hosting this important event.

I thank the International Organization of the Francophonie, which has jointly organized this workshop with the United Nations.  This collaboration reflects the determination of our respective organizations to strengthen cooperation in areas of common interest.

I also thank the Foundation of the Forum of Bamako for its active involvement in this workshop.

African States have undertaken commendable efforts to promote democracy over the past two decades.  However, while there have been some remarkable achievements, there remains a need to overcome numerous challenges in order to consolidate democratic gains.  This workshop offers an opportunity to formulate concrete and innovative proposals for ensuring better democratic transitions on the continent.

Democracy, peace and development are interdependent.  At a time when Africa faces multifaceted crises, the consolidation of democracy, the rule of law and good governance offer the most reliable way to promote the peace and prosperity for which the continent’s people yearn.  The emergence of strong democratic institutions would also enable Africa to cope with the food and financial crises.

The effort to spread and entrench democratic principles will require all sectors of society, including African civil society organizations, to be involved.  I urge you, the participants in this workshop, to be in the vanguard.  The United Nations, for its part, will continue to be your close partner.  Please accept my best wishes for a successful workshop.

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For information media • not an official record