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Friday, February 1, 2002
09:30 - 18:00 H
Van Kleffenszaal
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Bezuidenhoutseweg 67
The Hague
Entrance fee: €10,- |
NiZA Conference
Constraints and Perspectives for Democracy in Mozambique
Sponsored by:
ICCO, Interchurch Organization for Development Co-operation
Novib
Hivos
COA, Commissie Ontwikkelingssamenwerking Amsterdam
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
European Union
background of the conference
After a relatively successful peace process, Mozambique is now passing through a transformation phase heading for democracy. But this process is not very stable. Lately, several of NiZA's partners in Mozambique have expressed their concern about recent developments in the country that are threatening the fragile democracy. Some conspicuous events are the aftermath of the elections of December 1999 of which Renamo does not accept the results; the nationwide manifestations organised by Renamo in November 2000 which cost at least 45 deaths; the ensuing tragedy in Montepuez where nearly a hundred Renamo followers were locked in a far too small police cell where they smothered to death; the brutal murders of journalist Carlos Cardoso who was investigating some corruption scandals and of the young bank manager António Siba-Siba who tried to uncover how the Banco Austral went practically bankrupt because of "bad loans".
In the actual historical phase, the role and competence of constitutional institutions and other players in an "adult" democracy have to take shape. This is a delicate process where each actor has to find its place. An important question for donors and the NGO community in the north is, how to reinforce this process and help to avoid escalation of political tensions.
After a general analysis of recent developments in Mozambique the conference will split into two working groups: one about decentralisation and local governance, the other about the role of civil society organisations and media in the democratisation process. Finally there will be a panel discussion in which we can have a critical dialogue with our Mozambican guests.
Guests from Mozambique
- Victor Igreja, psychologist, co-founder of AEPATO ("Hope for All"), consultant for ProPaz
- Alice Mabota, president of the Mozambican Human Rights League
- Gil Lauriciano, anthropologist, media researcher at Higher Institute for International Relations (ISRI), Maputo
- Carlos Roque, director of Association for Community Services (ASSERCO), Beira
- Mr. Braga, district administrator, Angoche
- A representative of the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF)
Chair of the day: Stephen Ellis
| PROGRAMME |
| 09.30 - 10.00 | Arrival of guests and registration |
| 10.00 - 10.10 | Welcome and opening address by Mr. Peter Hermes, director of NiZA |
| 10.10 - 10.50 | Analysis of recent political developments by Mr. Victor Igreja, representative of conciliation organisations AEPATO and ProPaz, psychologist and scholar |
| 10.50 - 11.00 | Introduction of two working groups |
| 11.00 - 11.15 | Coffee and tea break |
| 11.15 - 12.30 | Two working groups:
- Decentralisation and Local Governance: Best Practices and Most Encountered Problems
Introductions by: Mr. Carlos Roque, director of ASSERCO (Beira); Mr. Braga, district administrator (Angoche); a representative of UNCDF (Nampula).
Chair: Mrs. Joke Oranje, SNV (prov.)
- Which role can civil society organisations and media play in the democratic process?
Introductions by: Mrs. Alice Mabota, president Human Rights League; Mr. Gil Lauriciano, anthropologist and media researcher at ISRI; Mr. Victor Igreja, psychologist and researcher of post-war traumas.
Chair: Mr. Fabio Poelhekke (prov.)
|
| 12.30 - 13.30 | Lunch break |
| 13.30 - 14.30 | Continuation of working groups |
| 14.30 - 15.00 | Reports from the working groups (15 min. each) |
| 15.00 - 15.15 | Coffee and tea break |
| 15.15 - 16.45 | Panel discussion with Mozambican guests in panel |
| 16.45 - 17.00 | Synthesis of discussion and closure by Mr. Stephen Ellis |
| 17.00 - 18.00 | Reception and drinks |
The Netherlands institute for Southern Africa is an independent NGO working to support democratisation processes in Southern Africa. The work is concentrated in three main programmes: support to freedom of expression and independent media, improvement of the human rights situation and promoting a fair economic development. NiZA produces various publications, it organises debates, conferences and exchange programmes around these issues. It also financially supports related programmes in the region and gives technical support.
Address:
P.O. Box 10707
1001 ES Amsterdam
The Netherlands
www.niza.nl
T: +31 (0)20 520 6210
F: +31 (0)20 520 6249
E: elma@niza.nl
Registration Form
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- will attend the conference Constraints and Perspectives for Democracy in Mozambique
- is unable to attend but would like to receive the conference reader and the report
send to: NiZA
Attn. Elma Doeleman
P.O. Box 10707
1001 ES Amsterdam
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