Expertise for Central Africa
activities > book launch i (2009) > programme & follow-up
Congo event and book launch
Thursday 17 September 2009, 12:30 – 18:00
Congreszaal, Maison des Parlementaires, Rue de Louvain 21, 1000 Brussels
Under the auspices of Minister of Foreign Affairs Yves Leterme and Minister of State Herman De Croo, E-CA — CRE-AC will organize a debate about institutional reform and state building initiatives in the DRC. This Congo event is a follow up of the E-CA — CRE-AC international conference held in the Egmont Palace in February 2008. It shall provide the opportunity to present the recently published book: Réforme au Congo: Attentes et désillusions edited by E-CA — CRE-AC director Theodore Trefon.
The book argues that initiatives to rehabilitate the Congolese state have not achieved expected results. International actors and Congolese authorities share responsibility for this situation. Strategies superficially respond to symptoms without addressing real problems such as deep rooted historical factors, social imbalances, institutional weakness and diverging perceptions of the need for change. Through an analysis of the strategies, agendas and weaknesses of Congolese and international actors, this book explains the causes of reform failure.
The debate will be policy oriented and expected to highlight possible alternatives for positive change in Congo and improved relations between international actors and their Congolese partners.
Programme
12h30-14h00
- Registration
- Walking lunch
14h00-17h00
- Opening by Mr Yves Leterme, Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Statement by His Excellency Mova Sakanyi, Ambassador of DRC
- Book presentation by Theodore Trefon and panel of contributors followed by questions and debate
- Closing remarks by Mr Herman De Croo, Minister of State, MP, President Board of Directors E-CA — CRE-AC
17h00-18h00: Cocktail
Registration
by Friday 4 September is requested and free of charge.