Mali Watch, a non-partisan coalition concerned about restoring peace, security, and democracy to the people of Mali, will host a Congressional Briefing focused on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Mali in the wake of the 2012 coup d’etat and the upcoming elections. The Briefing will include featured presentations and a panel discussion. The briefing provides a platform for members of Congress who participated in a Congressional Delegation to Mali to debrief on their reflections after the trip. The Briefing is also a forum where the Malian Minister for Foreign Affairs, The U.S. State Department and the World Bank Africa Executive Director can address a gathering of policymakers and the general public at this critical moment in Mali’s development. The Briefing which also includes a panel of experts on the humanitarian, human rights, security, and electoral prospects for Mali will conclude with a vibrant Q&A with panelists and speakers.

Panel 1: Members of Congress – Opening Remarks/Debrief from Congressional Delegation visit to Mali

Panelists:

Senator Chris Coons (D- Del)
Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-Ca)
Other members of the CoDel

Keynote Address: Tieman Hubert Coulibaly, Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation, Government of Mali

Remarks: Representative, U.S. Department of State (invited)
Remarks: Agapito Dias, World Bank Africa Executive Director (invited)

Panel 2: Civil Society Reflections on the Situation in Mali

• Vivian Lowery Derryck, Founder, Bridges Institute; Convener, Mali Watch
• Sidi Diawara, Chief of Party, Mali, International Foundation for Electoral Systems (Invited),
• Adotei Akwe, Researcher, Amnesty International
• Fatima, Mali Diaspora Women’s Network

Moderator: Ndimyake Mwakalyelye, Journalist, Voice of America TV

The event is open to the public, but space is limited. Please RSVP to Bridges Institute: giftinadi@gmail.com