PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAY 6, 2005 AFRICAN STATESMEN TO MEET TO CONFRONT CHALLENGES OF DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE AND HUMAN SECURITY Former African Heads of State to Convene in Bamako, Mali, June 5-8 WASHINGTON DC—More than 20 former heads of state and government will attend a June 5-8 symposium to discuss the challenges of peaceful political transitions in Africa and to share experiences on humanitarian and democratization efforts across the continent. The symposium, called the African Statesmen Initiative (ASI), will be held in Bamako, Mali. The goals of ASI are to encourage democratic former heads of state to continue to play a constructive role in democratization efforts on the continent and provide a forum for these leaders to share experiences on initiatives on democratization and other challenges that they have undertaken since leaving office. The three-day symposium will include discussions on topics including democratization and security, conflict management, economic development, health challenges affecting Africa, elections, democratic governance, parliaments and civil society. This initiative by African leaders is being supported by the African Center for Strategic Studies, the Club of Madrid, the Gates Foundation, the National Democratic Institute, the National Endowment for Democracy, the United Nations Development Programme and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy. For more information about the African Statesmen Initiative, please visit the website at www.ndi.org NOTE: MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SYMPOSIUM. Press will be required to pre-register, so please contact NDI if interested in attending. A more detailed program, lists of participants and panelists will be made available at a later date. CONTACT: Jean Freedberg (English) +(1) 202.728.5527 [email protected] Brittany Danisch (Français) +(1) 202.728.5539 [email protected] Grant Godfrey (Português) +(1) 202.728.5546 [email protected]