NDI International Summit On Constitutionalism and Democratic Consolidation in...: Africa
Good morning. My name is Uzra Zeya and I am the Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights at the United States Department of State. It is my pleasure to be with you all virtually today. I'd like to thank our hosts, the Government of Botswana - including President Masisi - and the National Democratic Institute, for inviting me to speak at this important event, and Chargé d'Affaires Jacobsen for the warm introduction.
The Summit served as a rallying call to bolster efforts to advance democracy as a form of government that reflects the will of citizens and can deliver real results - transparently and accountably - and can restore faith in the democratic process. We all know from public opinion research that constitutional terms limits have widespread popular support across Africa. Afrobarometer's most recent polling reveals that 76 percent of Africans surveyed in 34 countries support constitutional provisions limiting the presidency to two terms.
Like other countries, we committed to improving our democracy and working with others. I can assure you that the United States is taking a whole-of-government approach to advancing democracy through pledges of our own. This includes President Biden's announcement of the Presidential Initiative for Democratic Renewal, a landmark collection of diplomatic and foreign assistance efforts to bolster democracy and defend human rights globally.
As a democratic community, we are committed to elevating civil society partnerships through the creation of multistakeholder platforms. These support and expand opportunities for meaningful dialogue and collaboration among civil society representatives, private sector leaders, philanthropic partners, and government decision-makers on issues vital to good governance and democratic renewal.
President of Ghana and current Chair of ECOWAS Nana Akufo-Addo has spoken out forcefully against the recent spate of military coups and other military takeovers in West Africa and is urging regional leaders to stand firm to protect democracy. Ghana also joined Norway in supporting the Global Disability Forum.
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