The 2015 High Level Dialogue (HLD) on Democracy, Human Rights and Governance under the theme: “Women’s Equal Participation and leadership in Political Parties in Africa” was held from 7 to 8 December 2015 in Kigali, Rwanda as part of activities marking the year of Women’s Empowerment and Development towards Africa’s Agenda 2063.

The HLD was convened by the Department of Political Affairs of the African Union Commission and the Rwanda Governance Board. The APRM was represented by the OIC of the APRM Secretariat, Dr. Rachel Mukamunana, accompanied by Mr. Ferdinand Katendeko. Amb. Fatuma Ndangiza attended the HLP in her capacity as the Vice Chairperson of the Rwanda Governance Board.

The objectives of the HLD was to share and consolidate comparable lessons and experiences on ensuring women’s equal participation and leadership in political parties in Africa at all levels; provide a platform for peer learning and accountability; enhance strategic partnerships and alliances between state and non-state actors to strengthen and monitor the implementation of AU Shared Values norms and standards on women’s empowerment. Lastly, the HLP was to develop a roadmap towards the attainment of Agenda 2063 and Common African Position on Post 2015 Development Agenda milestones on women’s participation, leadership and empowerment.

During the HLD meeting, the participants were taken on a guided tour to Southern and Eastern Provinces of Rwanda for lesson learning and practical experience for Women’s participation and leadership in political parties in Rwanda.

The HLD was followed by the inaugural political meeting of the African Governance Architecture (AGA) Platform on the 9 and 10 December, 2015. The main goal of the meeting was to create a mutual understanding of AGA and its workings as well as enhancing coordination and cooperation among Members of the African Governance Platform.

The meeting was attended by Political and Technical Heads of Platform Members drawn from AU organs and institutions as well as Regional Economic Communities with a formal mandate for the promotion and sustenance of democracy, governance and human rights in Africa. Among the participants were the Department of Political Affairs which coordinates the AGA Platform; the Permanent Representative Council; the African Court on Human and People’s Rights; the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights; the Pan-African Parliament; the Economic, Social and Cultural Council; and the AU Advisory Board on Corruption; and Regional Economic Communities (COMESA, IGAD, EAC, ECCAS and CEN-SAD).

The meeting of the AGA Platform in Kigali approved AGA Base Documents; adopted the PRC Retreat report; approved the 2016 Theme and Implementation Plan for the High Level Dialogue on Democracy and Governance in Africa; and finally elected PAP as its Chair, COMESA as the Vice Chairperson, and AUC as the Rapporteur for AGA.