The Nelson Mandela Foundation, in partnership with CIVICUS, has launched a process of dialogues and seminars in various parts of Africa to take an independent look at the challenges facing Africa. These dialogues, which will be known as the ‘Nelson Mandela Thinkers Forums’, will critically review the final report of the Commission for Africa, launched by British Prime Minister Tony Blair in March 2004.

Input will be sought from African policymakers, academics, civil society leaders, former Heads of State, trade unionists and media personnel as well as from the business community. Ordinary citizens will also have the opportunity to express their opinions on the practical steps that can be taken to address poverty and the other challenges they face. The dialogues will also seek to galvanize regional collaboration and an effective regional response to Africa’s challenges.

The first two forums were held in Nairobi, Kenya on 21-22 April and in Maputo, Mozambique on 23-24 May; the third will be held on 15-16 June in Dakar, Senegal.

Zimbabwe solidarity protest
On 12 March, civil society groups and citizens from Mozambique, South Africa and Zambia took part in a demonstration of regional solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe, co-facilitated by Amnesty International and CIVICUS in conjunction with local organizations in the respective countries. The event was aimed at drawing regional and international attention to the situation in Zimbabwe and at encouraging regional leaders, especially those in countries bordering Zimbabwe, to break their silence on continuing human and civic rights violations there.

Millennium Development Goals Toolkit available online
A Millennium Development Goals Toolkit is now available on the CIVICUS website. It provides a framework for the development of strategies adapted to different national and regional contexts. It includes tips, tools and the skills necessary to develop an MDGs campaign, as well as links to UN departments and civil society organizations already involved in such campaigns.

For further information about the Dialogues please contact Ann Lloyd at ann@civicus.org or Priscilla Mandiveyi at priscillam@nelsonmandela.org

To download the MDGs Toolkit, go to http://www.civicus.org/mdg/1-1.htm

For more information about CIVICUS, contact Florence Kiff, Communications Manager.

CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation
CIVICUS House, 24 Pim Corner Quinn Sts, Newtown, 2001 Johannesburg, South Africa
Tel+27 11 833 5959
Fax +27 11 833 7997
Email florence@civicus.org
Website http://www.civicus.org