Tackling crisis of governance through multi-level governance in the Horn
Organized by Center of Excellence in Good Governance of Centre for Federalism and Governance Studies of Addis Ababa University
April 5-6, 2021, Addis Ababa, JUPITER HOTEL Kazanchis
Objectives and Themes
A crisis of governance which has emerged as a result of the extreme centralization of power, weak institutions and failure to institutionalise the responsible use of power is a key challenge in the Horn of Africa region (Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan). This crisis impacts many facets of life in these countries – including access to justice, health care and education provision and attempts to tackle poverty – ultimately affecting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s).
This research project examines the institutional design mechanisms that help address the crisis of governance in the region. It aims to produce high quality research that address major themes leading to the development of policy alternatives and institutional reforms: investigate the type of institutional design that promotes inclusive decision making, analyse the impact of devolution in a context of weak institutions and ways to limit political power and the link between gender and devolved power and proposes areas for reform that assist in strengthening institutions and facilitate the process of devolution and federalism.
Through this project and together with partner institutions the Centre of Excellence in Good Governance is undertaking high quality research that will lead to the development of policy alternatives that address the major thematic issues
Since early 1990s, federalism and devolution have been on the regional political agenda to address the resurgent crisis of governance. Addressing the crisis of governance through federalism, devolution and inclusive political institutions as well as ensuring the institutionalization of power through strengthening the rule of law has the potential to make the government more accountable, inclusive and able to deliver critical services. Such systems ensure relative stability and peace and reduce the risks of state fragmentation – a major concern in the region. The threat of further fragmentation and conflict due to the crisis of governance is still a major issue in the region.
The logic of the project is that inclusive political systems lead to a more just political and economic order and thus reduce tension and conflict. Designing and strengthening inclusive political institutions that take the form of federalism and devolution assists in bringing in more actors at various levels of government.
The Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Good Governance at Addis Ababa University along with partner institutions will contribute to these efforts by producing high quality, research-based policy inputs for those who are in charge of making decisions (public institutions, leaders, political parties, practitioners, future leaders and civil society groups).
While the proper design of viable federal and decentralisation structures is the first step, equally important is capacity building for the implementation of federal or decentralised structures in practice. The capacity building component will take place through the training for officials, politicians, civil society and PhD programs. In the medium term, a new cadre of experts from member countries should also be developed through masters and doctoral programmes. Placing the research products of the Programme in the public domain through publications, would ensures the lasting effect of this project. Thus the team of experts will conduct the research and will also be engaged in capacity building activities. The research is the basis for the short term and PhD training.
The first training planned to be held on April 5-6, 2021 in Addis Ababa, Jupitor Hotel, Kazanchis and aims to target relevant stake holders (parliaments, leaders, political parties, civil society groups, youth, and women) from each country (Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan) to build their capacity and disseminate the findings of the research and create impact on actors and institutions.
Program
Global and African Experiences on Federalism and Devolution
Trainers
Presenter | Topic | Time |
Opening and welcome | AAU V. President | 8:30am |
Prof. Charles Fombad | Constitutionalism and Rule of Law in Africa | 9:00 am April 5, 2021 |
Prof Jan Erk | Federalism, Devolution and Territorially Based Cleavages in Africa: Does Institutional Design Matter? | 10am April 5, 2021 |
Dr. Sisay Kinfe | Does Federalism/Devolution Enhance or Limit Political Empowerment of Women? | 11:00am, April 5, 2021 |
Dr. Alfred | Devolution and Nation Building in South Sudan | 2pm April 5, 2021 |
Dr. Zemelak Aytenew | Constitutionalism: The Missing Element in South Sudan | 2:40 pm April 5, 2021 |
Dr. Harun Ibrahim | Federalism in Somalia: derailed or on Track? | 4:20 pm April 5, 2021 |
Prof. Assefa Fiseha | Role of Legislative Bodies and systems of checks and Balances | 9am, April 6, 2021 |
Dr. Solomon Nigussie | Resource allocation and Management in Devolved and Federal Systems | 10am, April 6, 2021 |
Prof Nico Steytler | Federal and Devolved Systems in Africa | 11am, April 6, 2021 |
Prof Eva Maria Belser | Federal Experiences from Europe: Swiss and Belgium in Comparison | 2pm, April 6, 2021 |
Concluding remarks and Lessons | 5pm |
Event Brochure