The Center the Study of Democracy and International Studies Program cordially present a special lunch on democracy and conflict:

“Making Democracy Work in Mali”  
with Yeah Samake, Mayor of Ouélessébougou, Mali, Africa

Wednesday, May 16, 2012
12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Social Science Plaza A, Room 2112

Yeah Samaké is the mayor of Ouélessébougou in Mali, Africa, and, until a military coup unseated the government in March, was a presidential candidate in the 2012 presidential election.  Samaké (masters, public policy) has directed the Mali Rising Foundation since 2004, a non-profit organization that builds schools in rural Mali.  As mayor, he helped Ouélessébougou become one of the top ranking economies in Mali, organized local councils to foster democratic voice, and promoted the education of government officials on the importance of good governance and transparency.  He was elected vice president of the League of Mayors in 2011.  Samaké will discuss his efforts to make democracy work as mayor of Ouélessébougou, the recent challenges to democracy posed by the coup, and the future prospects for democracy in Mali.

Please RSVP to csd@uci.edu.  A light lunch will be served so your response is required.