The African Governance Architecture (AGA) and Platform Notebook

7/27/2019 The African Governance Architecture (AGA) and Platform Notebook

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African Union

and Platform

The African Governance

Architecture(AGA)


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African Governance Architecture

Department of Political Aairs,African Union CommissionP.O.Box 3243, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaTel: +251 11 551 7700

www.au.int


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and PlatformFramework Document

The African Governance

Architecture(AGA)


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BackgroundFollowing the transformation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) intothe African Union, Africas governance landscape has improved signicantly.However, despite marked progress on democratic governance, Africacontinues to face serious and dynamic threats to democracy, peace andsecurity that are predominantly induced by decits in democratic governanceand human rights protection. At the heart of Africas conicts and political

instability is the inadequacy to address structural root causes.

Acknowledging this challenge, the AU is developing a long term developmentstrategy dubbed Africa Agenda 2063 which identies democratic decit andweak governance as root causes of conict and impediments to sustainabledevelopment. Central to Agenda 2063 is AUs set of normative andinstitutional frameworks which have been elaborated since the establishmentof the OAU in 1963. However, despite these progressive norms and policypronouncements, compliance and eective implementation by Member

States endure signicant challenges. Lack of coherence, coordination, synergyand consistent follow up among AU organs, Regional Economic Communitiesand Member States is identied as a major constraint.


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Consequently, in order to translate the objectives of the legal and policypronouncements of the AU and promote good governance, human rights anddemocracy in Africa, the AU established the African Governance Architecture(AGA) in 2010 as a framework for coordination of implementation of AfricanShared Values instruments and dialogue among AU organs, RegionalEconomic Communities and relevant stakeholders.

The African Governance Architecture (AGA) is the continental mechanism

aimed at connecting, empowering and building capacities of African peoplesin strengthening governance and consolidating democracy in Africa. It is theoverall political and institutional framework for the promotion, protectionand sustenance of democracy, governance, rule of law, human rights andhumanitarian aairs on the continent. The AGA embodies the aspirations ofAfrican peoples and their determination to improve their lives with dignity byconsolidating democratic values and principles.

The AGA is a dynamic and evolving mechanism drawing lessons from events

and processes within the continent, its own process of interaction, policydemands and responses of the various organs of the Union and developmentsat the national, regional, continental and global levels.

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MandateThe decision to establish a Pan-African Architecture on Governance sincerenamed the African Governance Architecture (AGA) was made by the 16thOrdinary Session of the Executive Council of the AU (EX.CL/Dec.525(XVI). Thedecision was endorsed by the AU Assembly Fourteenth Ordinary Session inFebruary 2010 dedicating the theme of the January/February 2011 Summiton Shared Values in Africa (Assembly/AU/Dec.304 (XV)|. In order to translatethe objectives of the legal and policy pronouncements on AU Shared Values,the African Union Commission incorporated the AGA as the implementingframework for promoting good governance, human rights democracy andhumanitarian aairs in Africa.

AU Shared Values are built around common principles and values that imposea sense of collective responsibility by AU Member States. They support a set

of procedures and institutional relationships that commit Member states toaccept the obligation to address governance challenges through the use offrameworks that are mutually agreed upon at regional and continental levelsand particularly those developed within the orbit of the African Union andRegional Economic Communities.

The collective approach of the African Shared Values engenders a generalpolicy orientation that denes respect for democratic governance and humanrights as shared values. AGA, therefore, encourages various stakeholders,

individually and collectively, to nurture processes that would supportprogressive development and implementation of democratic values, normsand standards. Furthermore, AGA fosters a shared responsibility that takesinto account the dierent capacities of various actors and stakeholders whilerecognizing the ability of the AU to serve as a catalyst to coordinate actionand inspire closer cooperation, complementarity and synergy of eorts

ObjectiveThe principal goal of the AGA is to connect, empower and build capacitiesof African peoples through relevant continental institutions in enhancingdemocratic governance in Africa. The specic objectives of the AGA are to:a.Deepen synergy, coordination and cooperation among AU organs,

institutions and RECs on democracy, governance, human rights andhumanitarian assistance.

b. Foster eective implementation of AU organs decisions and norms ondemocracy, good governance, human rights and humanitarian assistance.

c. Deepen popular participation and citizen engagement in attainment ofdemocracy, governance and respect for human and peoples rights.

d. Promote African Shared Values (AU norms and standards on democracy,governance and human rights).

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e.Enhance the capacity of AU organs, institutions and RECs to supportMember States to strengthen governance and consolidate democracy.

f.Coordinate evaluation and reporting on implementation and compliancewith AU norms on governance and democracy as envisaged by article 44,45 and 49 of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance

(ACDEG).g.Foster dialogue and share comparable lessons on trends, challenges,

opportunities and prospects for improving governance and democracyamong Member States.

h.Generate, manage and disseminate knowledge on good governance anddemocracy in Africa.

i.Facilitate joint engagement in strategic interventions: preventive diplomacy,conict prevention and post-conict, reconstruction and development inAfrica.

The Structure of the AGAThe AGA structure embraces three interrelated, mutually reinforcing anddynamic components. The rst component comprises norms and standardsembodied in the African Shared Values (AU norms and standards ondemocracy, governance and human rights). The second is an institutionalmechanism which comprises a network of institutions and other stakeholderswoven around a Platform of AU organs and institutions with a formal

mandate on governance, democracy, rule of law, human rights, elections andhumanitarian assistance. The third relates to mechanisms and processes ofinteraction that dene and support engagement at the two preceding levels.

TheAGAconstitutes a

set ofAU and RECs

norms and standards

on democracy,

governanceand human

rights inAfrica.

Norms& Standards

The Structure of the AGA

TheAGAis conceived

as a well-ordered and

neatlyassembled

structure ofAU and

RECs organs,

institutions and

mechanism with a

governance, democracy

and human rights

mandate

InstitutionalMechanism

The institutional

frameworkof theAGA

revolves around a

Platform ofAU and

RECs organs and

institutions with a

formal mandate for the

promotion and

sustenanceof

democracy,governance

and human rights inAfrica.

InteractionMechanism

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Norms and StandardsThe AGA constitutes a set of norms and standards on democracy, governanceand human rights in Africa. It is an embodiment of governance standards,principles and practices at the regional and continental level which MemberStates of the AU have collectively and individually committed themselves to.

Institutional MechanismThe AGA is conceived as a well-ordered and neatly assembled structureof organs, institutions and mechanism with a governance, democracy andhuman rights mandate to give operational expression and meaning to theAfrican Governance Agenda. These organs are responsible, at the dierentlevels, for the implementation, monitoring and assessment of governancepolicies, pronouncements, judgements and decisions on the Continent.

Interaction Mechanism and Processes AGAPlatformThe institutional framework of the AGA revolves around a Platform of AUorgans and institutions with a formal mandate for the promotion andsustenance of democracy, governance and human rights in Africa. ThePlatform serves as the coordinating arm or catalyst for the achievement ofthe goals of the African Governance Architecture. In this role, it does not

assume or duplicate the functions established by other policy organs. Instead,it provides a framework for interaction and active engagement to facilitateinformation ows, knowledge exchanges, dialogue, synergies and joint actionbetween the various African governance actors, and monitor compliance andimplementation.

The platform:a)Coordinates a systematic exchange of information amongst stakeholders

on democracy, elections, governance, rule of law, human rights andhumanitarian assistance across the continent.b) Creates a framework for dialogue and cross- fertilization of ideas and

comparable lessons and experiences among the Platform Members.c)Facilitates and supports the elaboration of African Shared Values

on democracy, elections, governance, rule of law, human rights andhumanitarian assistance across the continent and within the AU system.

d)Strengthens the capacity of the African Union Organs and Institutions tomonitor and assess compliance of AU norms and standards on democracy,

governance, rule of law, human rights and humanitarian assistance andsupport the eective implementation of these standards by AU MemberStates.


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e)Initiates action and makes recommendations and proposals to policyorgans for the progressive development and renement of the Africandemocracy, governance and human rights agenda.

f)Harmonise procedures, benchmarks and tools for review of state reportsenvisaged by the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.

g) Develop and promote common understanding on African governance

agenda in international fora.

Members of the AGA PlatformThe Platform is structured along two concentric circles. The rst circle iscomposed of treaty monitoring Organs and Institutions of the African Unionas well as Regional Economic Communities (RECs). It is linked with the secondconcentric circle of other continental stakeholders including appropriatenational-level institutions and structures, civil society organisations, media,

private sector and the Diaspora through consultations and regular dialogue.

AGP

PSC

AUCIL

PAP

ACHPR

RECs

ACERWC

ECOSOCCAUABC

APRM

PRC

AfCHPR

STCs

NEPAD


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AGA SeretariatThe Department of Political Aairs (DPA) of the AU Commission serves as thecoordinating hub for the Secretariat of the Platform. The Secretariat includesfocal persons from each of the Platform members. In that capacity, theSecretariat is responsible for collating and processing the Platform outcomesfor presentation to, and consideration by AU Policy Organs. Furthermore, the

Platform cultivates a positive working relationship with relevant structures ofMember States of the Union, and the African Peace and Security Architecture.The Platform also cooperates with and draws appropriate inputs from otherrelevant actors and stakeholders in the wider African society within theframework of the concentric circle approach.

Relationship with Member StatesAU Member States are the foundation of the AGA. They have the primaryresponsibility of building and consolidating democracy and governance. Astrong and eective AGA requires solid, functioning and accountable nationalstructures. The AGA aims to complement and add value to the primaryresponsibility of States democratic institutions as the basis for enhancingregional and continental integration.

Relationship with the African Peace and SecurityArchitectureDemocratic decit and poor governance are often cited as central causalfactors that lead to insecurity, conict and underdevelopment of the continent.

In light of the interdependence between the elds of governance, peace andsecurity, forging synergies among the AGA and APSA is crucial for addressingAfrican conicts in a holistic manner.The AGA complements positively the African Peace and Security Architecture(APSA), which addresses the AUs peace and security agenda. The AGA and APSArecognize that democratic governance, peace and security are interrelatedand mutually reinforcing imperatives. The AGA Platform provides a bridge forcoordination, joint programming and interventions by the two architecturesin situations that require a consolidated response from the AU and RECs.

Relationship with other institutions and Stake-holdersIn ensuring the eective participation of the African citizens in their owndevelopment processes and the quest of the African Union to transform into aUnion of African peoples, the AGA shall adopt a multi-dimensional and multi-actor participation on its Platform. This shall involve relevant stakeholderssuch as civil society organizations, private enterprises, think thanks, as wellas youth and gender organizations (i.e. second circle of involvement) in the

various programmes and activities of the AGA. Such participation shall takeadvantage of existing structures such as ECOSOCC as well as provide otheravenues where necessary to guarantee a deliberate, structured and eectiveinterface between the AGA Platform and the African citizens on on democracy,good governance, human rights and humanitarian assistance.

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The AGA ClustersThe AGA Platform is organized along ve clusters representing the thematicfocus of the Architecture. The clusters shall provide the implementationmechanism for the delivery of the AGA objectives through programmaticinterventions on strengthening democracy and good governance; ensure theprotection and guarantee of human rights and provision of humanitarianassistance where necessary. The ve clusters are:

1. Democracy (Elections, Parliament, Political Parties and DemocracyAssessments): The Cluster monitors the implementation of democraticelectoral processes and standards in Member States as well as monitor,review and assess the state of democracy in Africa. Electoral Processes;and Democracy Assessments are its two sub clusters.

2. Human Rights and Transitional Justice: The Cluster seeks to ensureeective promotion and protection of human and peoples rights on thecontinent as well as coordinate eorts to develop the Transitional JusticePolicy Framework for Africa.

3.Governance (Public service and administration, Local governance,decentralisation and urban development Anti-corruption andaccountability and natural resource governance): The cluster seeks topromote the strengthening of institutions of public service delivery including

decentralisation and accountability. Its four sub clusters include: publicservice and administration reforms; local governance, decentralisationand urban development; anti-corruption and accountability; and naturalresource management

Democracy(Elections and Democracy Assessments):

Human Rights &Transitional Justice

Constitutionalismand Rule of Law

HumanitarianAffairs

T e AGA C usters

Governance(Public service and administration; Local governance

decentralisation and urban development;

Anti-corruption and accountability; and natural resource

governance


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4.Constitutionalism and Rule of Law: The cluster seeks to promoteand enhance adherence to the principle of the rule of law and enhanceconstitutional order in Africa, including addressing unconstitutionalchanges in government. The cluster also seeks to support AU MemberStates constitutional and institutional reforms and rebuilding especiallythose emerging from conict,

5.Humanitarian Afairs Cluster: The Cluster seeks to ensure that the rootcauses of forced displacement are addressed and develop an appropriatecontinental guideline to facilitate interregional movement of persons. Italso aims to nd durable solutions to the challenges relating to refugees,returnees and internally displaced persons (IPDs) in Africa. The clusterengages with relevant actors to develop coordinated and appropriatepreparedness and responses to disasters and humanitarian crisis on the

continent.

AGA Knowledge Generation & DialoguesThe AGA, using its publications and dialogue initiatives, shall contribute tothe knowledge pool on democratic governance on the Continent through itsState of Governance and Democracy in Africa Report, the African GovernanceNewsletter, Quarterly Seminar Series and the Annual High-Level Dialogue onGovernance and Democracy in Africa.

a)State of Governance and Democracy in Africa ReportThe Annual State of Governance and Democracy in Africa Report is theagship knowledge and data generation product outcome of the AfricanGovernance Architecture. The report critically analyses the trends, challengesand prospects of improving governance and democracy on the continentand makes appropriate policy oriented suggestions and recommendationsto improve democratic governance. The analysis emerging from the reportinforms the envisaged regular briengs to the AU Peace and Security Council

on the state of democratic governance in Africa.

b)African Governance NewsletterThe newsletter is a periodic repository of events and activities in the areasof good governance, democracy, constitutionalism and rule of law, elections,humanitarian aairs and other associated governance issues in Africa. Throughthe provision of a forum for African experts, think tanks and individuals to sharetheir views on topical Africa governance topics, the newsletter documentsexperts perspectives and ideas on governance trends in Africa.

Essentially the newsletter contributes greatly to the existing informationand knowledge gap that currently exists on the eorts and activities beingundertaken to improve governance and to institutionalize democratic norms

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and practices in Africa.The newsletter provides feedback opportunity and infuse inputs from theAfrican citizens and stakeholders on their perspectives and insights oneach edition. This feedback is in the form of articles, right of reply letters orrejoinders to articles published.

c)Quarterly Seminar SeriesThe AGA Seminar Series aims to provide space for the interrogation of currentand evolving governance related issues across the Continent. This providesAGA Platform Members, AU Sta, civil society and other stakeholders includingthe private sector and other development actors an opportunity to engagereect and share comparable experiences and lessons on the promotion andstrengthening of governance, democracy and human and peoples rightson the continent.

d)High Level Dialogues (DG Trends)The Annual High Level Dialogue provides a platform for a frank, open andinclusive conversation on democratic governance. It involves Member States,AU organs and institutions, Regional Economic Communities, African citizens,think tanks, civil society, media, womens organisations, youth movements,private sector, philanthropists, faith-based organisations, and other relevantstakeholders in a platform for lessons-learning and experience sharing. Italso seeks to explore and tease out comparable lessons and practices for

improving governance, consolidating constitutional democracy and fosteringeective realization of human and peoples rights on the continent and in theprocess avoiding humanitarian crises.

Getting InvolvedAGA provides a unique opportunity for African peoples and institutions tointeract engage and participate eectively in the development agenda of theContinent. The AGA Platform welcomes inputs, ideas and perspectives of the

broad spectrum of African citizens through its traditional and new mediaplatforms including:

Twitter: @AUC_DPAFacebook: www.facebook/DGtrendsHashtag: #DGTrendsWebsites: www.agaplatform.org / www.DGTrends.orgEmail: [email protected]: +251 11 518 2625

AGA Secretariat, Department of Political Aairs,African Union CommissionAddis Ababa, Ethiopia


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The AGA constitutes a

set of AU and RECs

norms and standards

on democracy,

governance and human

rights in Africa.

Norms

& Standards

Democracy(Elections and Democracy Assessments):

Human Rights &Transitional Justice

Constitutionalismand Rule of Law

HumanitarianAffairs

Governance(Public service and administration; Local governance

decentralisation and urban development;

Anti-corruption and accountability; and natural resource

governance

Promote implementationof AU shared values ondemocratic governance

Enhance coordination

& cooperation among

enerate and disseminate

knowledge and data on

democratic governance

The AGA is conceived

as a well-ordered and

neatly assembledstructure of AU and

RECs organs,

institutions and

mechanism with a

governance, democracy

and human rights

mandate

Institutional

Mechanism

The institutional

framework of the AGA

revolves around a

Platform of AU and

RECs organs and

institutions with a

formal mandate for the

promotion and

sustenance of

democracy, governance

and human rights in

Africa.

Interaction

Mechanism

Enhance coordinated engagement

on conflict prevention &

post conflict reconstruction &

developmentDeepen popularartici ation and


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African Governance Architecture and Platform SecretariatDepartment of Political Aairs,African Union CommissionP.O.Box 3243, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Tel: +251 11 551 7700www.au.int

Documents

The African Governance Architecture (AGA) and Platform Notebook