A Historic Moment
One leader’s key takeaways on the significance of the second Summit for Democracy in Zambia
USAID Assistant Administrator in the Bureau for Africa Monde Muyangwa, third from left, joins the official U.S. and Zambia delegation to the second Summit for Democracy during the national anthem of the closing ceremony on March 30, 2023. / U.S. Embassy Zambia
On March 30, the Republic of Zambia co-hosted the second Summit for Democracy along with the governments of Costa Rica, the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, and the United States.
Each host country held virtual and in-person events featuring heads of state in their capitals, including in Lusaka, where the President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, and leaders of civil society, government, and non-governmental organizations highlighted themes such as the importance of free and fair elections, the rule of law, and separation of powers to advance democracy and address threats, as well as global challenges.
Assistant Administrator in the Bureau for Africa Monde Muyangwa delivering the wrap up session remarks at the closing of the Summit for Democracy on March 30, 2023, in Lusaka, Zambia.
U.S. Embassy Zambia
USAID Assistant Administrator in the Bureau for Africa Monde Muyangwa was in attendance as part of the official U.S. delegation. Born and raised in Zambia, she has seen firsthand the country’s democratic progression over the last three decades — during which it has become a regional model for peaceful and multi-party political transitions.
Read on for her insights on the significance of Zambia as a co-host, and the themes and discussions of the Summit.
Musicians helped open the official second Summit for Democracy in Lusaka, Zambia, on March 30, 2023.
Jessica Benton Cooney, USAID
Q: What was the significance to you to be in Zambia — to participate in and witness your home country co-host to the second Summit for Democracy on the global stage?
I was inspired and motivated by all the democracy warriors from Zambia and across Africa who represented so many different sectors — who shared their practical experiences, collective wisdom, and dedication for expanding democratic values and action across the continent and beyond.
Collectively, I witnessed their belief that democracy is the right way to deliver on the rights and hopes of people everywhere. I was also encouraged by the commitment to a strategic vision that didn’t just include elections, but rather building trust, accountability, and integrity into the government systems of their respective countries and eliminating the barriers of participation for all people.
Hakainde Hichilema, president of the Republic of Zambia, provided the keynote address during the Summit for Democracy on March 30, 2023.
U.S. Embassy Zambia
Q: Why do you think Zambia was chosen as a co-host?
The significance of the second Summit for Democracy taking place in Lusaka should not be overlooked. Zambia’s commitment to strengthening its democracy began with a credible, free, fair and inclusive electoral process in 2021, as Zambians turned out in impressive numbers to vote and demand accountability from their government. Since President Hichilema’s government took office, it has served as a model in the region for following through on campaign promises.
Additionally, since the first Summit for Democracy in 2021, when Zambia joined other world leaders in pledging over 750 commitments, the country has demonstrated clear leadership in promoting respect for human rights and democratic governance — despite the threat of global democratic backsliding. Zambia is also engaged in ongoing work to combat the pervasive forces of public and private corruption — with a government that appears committed to democratic change.
African country delegates during the registration process enter the Mulungushi International Conference Center during the Summit for Democracy in Lusaka, Zambia, on March 30, 2023.
Jessica Benton Cooney, USAID
Q: The theme of the Summit in Zambia was free, fair, and transparent elections. Can you tell us about those discussions during the Summit and what you learned?
I believe that no principle is more central to democracy than electoral integrity.
As I stated in my closing remarks at the Summit, democracy is like the logs on a fire used to cook the pot. One log cannot warm the pot just as all the work of building and sustaining a democracy cannot be left to one stakeholder.
It takes all logs — all of us — to make democracy work.
At the Summit, discussions on the continued challenges that affect female politicians, youth candidates, and persons with disabilities yielded ideas around best practices to advance inclusion in the political process. Colleagues from government, civil society, and the media also shared the importance of a free and independent media — and the need for information integrity and a digital world that respects democratic rights.
The Assistant Administrator presents opening remarks during the Summit for Democracy side event “Defending Citizen Election Observer Rights in Africa,” hosted by USAID-partner, the National Democratic Institute.
The Assistant Administrator meets with U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Zambia Michael C. Gonzales at the bilateral meeting between Zambia and the United States.
The Assistant Administrator shakes hands with W.K. Mutale Nalumango, vice president of Zambia.
Additionally, I was inspired by the ideas presented on how to collectively address political finance, the costs of running for office, and investing in transparent, trusted, and well-administered elections — all critical for combating corruption and building trust in government among our citizens.
Finally, we learned from each other about the often unsung heroes who work in election management bodies and the challenges they face. We need to protect these bodies and the human rights of election observers, as their independence and effectiveness is crucial to protecting and improving democratic processes and the legitimacy of the governments that come thereafter.
Dancers helped open the official second Summit for Democracy in Lusaka, Zambia, on March 30, 2023.
Jessica Benton Cooney, USAID
Q: What are some of the challenges that lie ahead for Zambia, Africa, and for the promotion of democracy and freedom writ large. What is a potential path forward?
The path toward democracy is not always smooth, and detractors and vested interests are hard at work to block progress in order to serve their personal interests. However, Zambian stakeholders — both in and outside of government — are working hard to deliver accountable and responsive democratic governance for all Zambians.
All democracies need to review, renew, and revitalize their electoral processes to meet the new and emerging challenges to electoral integrity. Together, we must commit to continuing efforts to make elections more inclusive, transparent, and open.
We must dare to let those whose political opinions and beliefs differ speak their minds.
There remain too many leaders intent on criminalizing dissent, suppressing countering perspectives, and insisting that they alone are suitable to lead. Rather, we need to ensure that political parties are able to freely organize and that there is a marketplace of ideas from alternative perspectives.
Democracy is vital to helping to shape laws, regulations, and policies to deliver for all the people and optimally help address the challenges facing the world today — and ensuring all citizens have the right to express their voice, opinion, and finally their vote.
USAID Zambia staff during the assistant administrator’s visit.
Morgan Siddle, USAID/Zambia
Watch all of the recorded second Summit for Democracy events here.
About the Author
Jessica Benton Cooney is the Senior Communications and Outreach Specialist for USAID’s Center for Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance.