African Heads of State High-Level Panel Discussion on "Building Capacity in Post-Conflict Countries"
Post-conflict reconstruction efforts seek to respond to the urgent needs of societies emerging from conflict and works to improve the efforts of key actors in rehabilitation and reconstruction operations by identifying and filling gaps within the current capacities of local and international actors. Therefore, investing in restoring state capacity is a venture in long-term stability and peace, both prerequisites to sustainable development and poverty reduction.
While the degree of fragility and its root causes dictate the adoption of various strategies, it is imperative to make explicit provision for capacity development in the interventions implemented in fragile environments from the onset. The leadership and coordination of local actors should be nurtured through the process of institutional recovery.
In the context of the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of ACBF, the Heads of State high-level panel discussion, for which confirmation of attendance has been received by President Blaise Compaoré of Burkina Faso (confirmations of other Heads of state are awaited), intends to mobilize the attention of African leadership and development partners on the importance of adopting innovative solutions to the challenges of capacity building in post-conflict countries. The panel discussion will foster peer learning and sharing of experiences. Grounded in their unique experiences, the discussants will share views on building effective and accountable institutions, including on restoring the legitimacy of the State in providing key functions.
The panel discussion will be moderated by Mr. James Makawa, a seasoned journalist, founder and CEO of the Africa Channel. He worked previously for NBC News as correspondent. He also co-founded the African Broadcasting Network, a pan-African network of television stations with affiliates in 18 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.