Katiba Institute was part of the Summit on Constitutionalism and Democratic Consolidation held in Gaborone, Botswana  July 6 to 8, 2022.  The summit was co-hosted by the Government of Botswana and the National Democratic Institute (NDI). Other partners associated with the Summit were: Open Society Foundations – Africa, Kofi Annan Foundation, Afrobarometer, Tournons la Page, Africtivistes, African Network of Constitutional Lawyers, Presidential Precinct, and the University of Botswana. 

The vision for the Gaborone Summit was to promote democratic progress and resilience while countering democratic backsliding and the erosion of constitutionalism across the continent. The occasion also celebrated Botswana’s efforts to champion democracy in Africa. 

Participants included sitting African Heads of State who shared virtual messages, former African Heads of State, civil society leaders, academics, influential thought leaders, university graduate students and media professionals. 

The participants, through the Gaborone Declaration in Support of Constitutionalism and
Democratic Consolidation, committed to:

• Promoting and defending principles of constitutionalism and enhancing democratic consolidation 
• Supporting ethical leadership and thriving societies
• Facilitating inclusive democratic processes and the renewal of political leadership
• Promoting efforts to respect and restore presidential term limits

Read the full declaration here