Niamey, Niger - The National Democratic Institute (NDI) in partnership with the Africa Forum; the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA); and the Kofi Annan Foundation will jointly host the Constitutional Term Limits Summit from October 2-4 in Niamey, Niger. AllAfrica Global Media has been selected as the official media partner. 

For three days, key stakeholders from across Africa will address one of the pressing challenges to democratic progress on the continent - the erosion of the constitutional rule of law by extending and amending presidential term limits. Panel discussions will allow leaders to share their experiences and tell their stories to underscore real-life experiences and case studies of democratic progress made in Africa and challenges still to be overcome. Participants will issue a Declaration of Principles as a tool to empower Africans to hold leaders accountable and have them adhere to constitutional term limits. 

“NDI is honored to provide this opportunity for civic leaders and African Statesmen to come together to build consensus around term limits, a major issue facing the continent and impacting democratic progress,” stated Derek Mitchell, President of NDI.

The official Summit will kickoff with an opening ceremony on October 2 with African dignitaries committed to democracy in Africa. The President of the Republic of Niger, His Excellency Mahamadou Issoufou will preside over the opening ceremony. Special guests will include former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan (Nigeria); Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia,*participating remotely); Nicéphore Soglo (Benin); Amos Sawyer (Liberia); Mahamane Ousmane (Niger); and Catherine Samba-Panza (Central African Republic).

“The Constitutional Term Limits Summit comes at a critical time when Africa’s democratic progress is facing new challenges and democratic backsliding is becoming more prominent. The Summit will provide an opportunity for leaders and activists on the continent to ensure that progress made through renewal of political leadership through the ballot box is sustained and encouraged,” stated Dr. Chris Fomunyoh, Senior Associate for Africa and Regional Director at NDI. 

The Constitutional Term Limits Summit will mark the launch of a program to support political leaders and civil society advocacy for the respect of presidential term limits across Africa. Over the past two decades, Africa has made notable progress in achieving democratic and peaceful transitions of executive power. However, some leaders on the continent have and/or are planning to extend their tenure by altering or eliminating constitutional term limits. For more information about the Constitutional Term Limits Initiative, please visit termlimits.ndi.org.