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Assessing Progress Toward Democracy in Francophone Africa

Date: Thursday, July 28, 2011 / Time: 10:00am - 11:30am 

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Four Francophone states in West Africa have recently held elections.  In three, new presidents have taken office in processes that followed protracted periods of conflict and disputed rule; in Benin, a reelected incumbent has continued a democratic tradition of 20 years' standing.  Despite the fact that the outcomes of some of these elections have been disputed, they nevertheless represent steps toward strengthening democracy in the region.  This USIP event takes place in the past, please view the Webcast, Audio, or photos.

Read the event coverage, African Presidents at USIP Couple Democracy, Security

Four Francophone states in West Africa have recently held elections. In three, new presidents have taken office in processes that followed protracted periods of conflict and disputed rule; in Benin, a reelected incumbent has continued a democratic tradition of 20 years' standing.  Despite the fact that the outcomes of some of these elections have been disputed, they nevertheless represent steps toward strengthening democracy in the region.

Speakers

  • Boni Yayi
    President of Benin
  • Alpha Conde
    President of Guinea
  • Mahamadou Issoufou
    President of Niger
  • Alassane Ouattara
    President of Cote d’Ivoire
  • Tara Sonenshine, Introductions & Moderator
    Executive Vice President, USIP

Event Photos

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