ARS Speaker Dr. Ekovich Educates Burkina on U.S.

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 OUAGADOUGOU 000963 SIPDIS PARIS FOR ARS - COWHER DEPT FOR AF/W - LOCKHART; AF/PD - LISENBY AND EHRNMAN; IIP/G/AF POSTS FOR PAO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV KDEM KPAO PHUM UV SUBJECT: ARS Speaker Dr. Ekovich Educates Burkina on U.S. Presidential Politics ¶1. Summary: August 29 -September 6, 2008 ARS Speaker Dr. Steven Ekovich presented a series of lectures to Burkinabe audiences from academia, media, government, military and students. The topic themes revolved around the U.S. political system, the electoral process, and especially the upcoming Presidential elections. In addition to carefully presenting a very balanced discussion of the relative strengths and weaknesses of each of the two major parties and its candidates, Dr. Ekovich took the opportunity to address the important role of media during presidential elections. Further, he spoke to several members of civic associations, human rights groups, and the military to accentuate their role as participants in the democratic process of their country. He highlighted the shared values between Burkinabe and Americans by putting an emphasis on the Millennium Challenge Corporation. Burkinabe television and radio covered several of his events and followed up with additional focused interviews, ensuring that Dr. Ekovich's message was disseminated widely among the millions of listeners. To assure that his message reached important areas of Burkina Faso, programs were held at two American Corners, Zorgho and Bobo-Dioulasso. All of the Burkinabe interlocutors expressed their gratitude for his engagement and his ability to clearly explain a political process that both fascinates and, often, confounds local audiences. End Summary. -------------- Program Venues -------------- ¶2. On August 29, Dr. Ekovich gave a conference on the electoral process and U.S. Elections at the American corner in Zorgho. After the conference, participants asked many questions. The program was followed by a lunch for the participants and free discussion about the current state of the U.S. Presidential elections. On Saturday August 30, Ekovich gave a keynote speech on the influence of youth in the democratic process of Burkina Faso at the annual open house of the American Language Center. He gave examples of how young Americans participate by doing community service or working on election campaigns. The audience included young professionals, students and their parents, English teachers and four Peace Corps volunteers who had assisted with summer English courses. �A;¶3. On September 1, Dr. Ekovich did a joint interview with the Political Officer on a new television and radio station - Radio Lumiere, Vie et development. The topics focused on the current elections in the United States and the increased political partnership between Burkina Faso and the United States. ¶4. September 2nd's program started at the Norbert Zongo National Press Center with a journalist roundtable discussion led by Dr. Ekovich. Participants were all journalists and discussions again focused on the U.S. Presidential elections and the dual party system. Two on-the-record interviews were conducted at the end of the discussion. The PAO hosted a lunch with journalists at her residence for a background discussion on U.S. politics. In the afternoon, Dr. Ekovich led a conference with the local NGO CIVIPAX on civic responsibility and peace. The president of the association opened the ceremony by speaking of democracy's global influence and its impact on Burkina Faso. The theme of the conference was "U.S. Elections and their effect on world economy: specifically in Africa." Simultaneously, CIVIPAX and the American Cultural Center hosted a photo exhibition on the life and accomplishments President Lamizana, founder of the Burkinabe military. Participants included members of the CIVIPAX association, university students, and journalists. National television interviewed both presenters for the nightly news. Ambassador Jackson also attended the conference and later hosted a reception in Dr. Ekovich's honor. Invitees included journalists, political party leaders, human rights representatives, members of the military, and civil society representatives. Dr. Ekovich delivered remarks on the importance of democratic elections during the reception. ¶5. On September 3-4, Dr. Ekovich's program took him to Bobo-Dioulasso, the second largest city in Burkina Faso. The local daily paper conducted an interview and the local branch of NDI organized an evening conference at the "Espace Jeunesse de Dafra" (American Corner). Invitees included civil society members, political party leaders, National Democratic Institute members, students, and the general public. A quick visit of the historical mosque in Bobo was also included in the program. ¶6. Upon returning to Ouagadougou the afternoon of September 4, Ekovich delivered a lecture to English teachers during a conference hosted by the American Language Center. He covered the same topics on U.S. elections, which clearly interested the teachers, who have been eager to introduce this year's election into their lesson plans. A cocktail was offered at the end, and there was a question and answer session during this period. OUAGADOUGO 00000963 002 OF 003 ¶7. In the evening, a conference on "U.S. Elections 2008 - Key Issues" was held in the garden at the cultural center. Journalist Ouezin Oulon delivered a presentation and Dr. Ekovich highlighted the essential nature of this year's election process. Furthermore, the shift from the elections in 2004, which focused more on the war in Iraq and the division between "blue states vs. red states," as opposed to this year, which focuses more on "change" and "unity" of the American people. Issues such as the economy and the environment have been on the front line of candidates' presentations. This conference was organized by the Fulbright Alumni Association (l'Amicale des Beneficiaires des Programmes d'Echanges Culturels entre les Etats-Unis d'Amerique et le Burkina Faso (ABPEC/US-BF). The audience, very motivated by the topic of discussion, was quite inquisitive and eagerly asked questions of both presenters. The conference was followed by a cocktail in the garden of the cultural center. ¶8. Dr. Ekovich opened September 5th with a presentation to a youth civic association as part of its three-day workshop co-hosted with the Cultural Center. He spoke briefly on the role of youth and the need for their participation in society for a more balanced democracy. He accentuated that without the participation of the new generation, political leaders will not know the concerns of the future leaders of the country. Participants were quick and energetic with their questions. Participants were all members of the Youth Association. They also briefed him on the work they had accomplished during their workshop at the American Cultural Center and the help provided by the American Ambassador. After his presentation, Dr. Ekovich headed to National Radio and gave an interview to key journalist Oulon Ouezin. Dr. Ekovich explained the system of the political checks and balances enshrined in the U.S. constitution as well as the functioning of the two houses of Congress. He also spoke about the international impact this election will likely have throughout the world. He noted that regardless of the outcome, this election will change the United States forever. Dr. Ekovich next headed to the Martin Luther King Library, to lead a book debate on 'U.S. presidential election, 10th Edition' by Nelson W. and Aaron Wildavsky. Participants were from the National Democratic Institute, various political parties, media, and academia. A cocktail was offered at the end of the program to allow for more informal discussion. Following the book debate, Dr. Ekovich spoke at a conference with the Centre d'Etude Strategiques de l'Afrique-Burkina Faso. The theme for this conference was "The Role of the Military in Democracies." The audience consisted of members of the local ACSS chapter and the NGO, Burkinabe for Social Movement and Justice. This was a small roundtable discussion. ¶9. On the day of this departure, September 5, Dr. Ekovich gave an interview to National Television for the daily news. Questions focused on the U.S. presidential elections, electoral system, the impact of this year's elections around the world, and what effects this will have for Africans if Obama wins or if McCain wins. At the end of the interview, he met the program assistant Binta C. Mayaki and PAO Joann Lockard, for a final program debriefing before departing Burkina Faso. -------------- Effectiveness of the Speaker -------------- ¶10. Outstanding. Dr. Ekovich is an extremely engaging and intellectually motivated expert on the U. S. political system. His ability to explain the complex Electoral process, the role of delegates and super delegates to foreign audiences in a way that is never patronizing and engages the crowd, is a pleasure to observe. His approach allowed Burkinabe audiences to better appreciate the diversity of the American political spectrum and to understand why the candidates appealed to different sectors of U.S. society - further highlighting important aspects of American Culture and way of life. Moreover, Dr. Ekovich's in-depth familiarity with the French political system and his flawless French further enhances his ability to engage with Francophone audiences in Burkina Faso. Post would welcome Dr. Ekovich's return any time. -------------- ARS Support -------------- ¶11. ARS provided its usual outstanding level of support. In addition, ARS was well organized in facilitating communications and planning prior to the speaker's arrival in Burkina Faso. -------------- Immediate Results/Impact -------------- ¶12. Excellent. Dr. Ekovich's program on the U.S. elections was OUAGADOUGO 00000963 003.2 OF 003 extremely well-received by Burkinabe audiences who are fascinated with the Obama candidacy and what it means for the United States and Africa. Dr. Ekovich skillfully helped his interlocutors understand all of the issues at stake, including race, and highlighted the important aspects of the American political process, which have enabled the United States to stay united and strong even after the very heated primary period. More importantly for Post programming, Dr. Ekovich laid an important foundation of understanding among key audiences that will not only serve as the basis of all our election-related programming this year, but will also help to strengthen our work to support democracy in Burkina Faso. -------------- Media Attention -------------- ¶13. Media attention: This program was instrumental in shaping media coverage of the U.S. elections. Dr. Ekovich helped local journalists to better understand how media in the United States can endorse a candidate without risk and the need for independent press during election campaigns for a more balanced democracy. Dr. Ekovich received sustained media coverage throughout his program in Burkina Faso, ensuring that his message was broadcast to millions of Burkinabe throughout the country. His ease in explaining issues resulted in Burkinabe National Television and Radio seeking multiple opportunities to cover his lectures and request additional follow-up interviews. Ultimately, Dr. Ekovich's program received substantial coverage in every major media outlet in Burkina Faso. LAEUCHLI