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.

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Program Venues
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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.


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.


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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.

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Effectiveness of the Speaker
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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.

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ARS Support
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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.

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Immediate Results/Impact
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12. Excellent. Dr. Ekovich's program on the U.S. elections was

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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.

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Media Attention
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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