HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND MISSIONS OF THE FORUM

« The Consultative Forum of Political Organizations officially recognized in Rwanda is a platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas among political organizations on the country?s problems and national policies. It is also a permanent framework for capacity building for member political organizations in the field of political organization and activities, which they use also as a framework for conflict mediation and for the promotion of the code of conduct which should characterize the political leadership in Rwanda. ».

« The idea of promoting permanent consultative mechanisms among political forces is in fact contained in the very spirit of the Arusha Peace Accord, with the objective of founding the power sharing system on the principles of the supremacy of national interests and the rule of law. The other imperative spelt out by the January 9, 1993 Protocol on power sharing was to provide political education to the members of Political Organizations for a common struggle against all forms of violence and political exclusion. ».

« All of these principles, which guided the establishment of the Forum in 1994 after the war and the genocide to serve as a consultative framework among Political Organizations in the composition and management of Transitional Institutions, were confirmed by the Constitutional Referendum of May 26, 2003 which advocated dialogue and consultation as a way of carrying out political action and promoting multiparty democracy in Rwanda. ».

 The missions of the Forum are spelt out by the Constitution of June 4, 2003:
Constitution, Article 56:
«Without prejudice to the independence of each political organization and their collaboration, Political Organizations officially recognized in Rwanda shall organize themselves in a consultative Forum. . ».

The Forum is mainly responsible for:

• Facilitating exchange of ideas by political organizations on major issues facing the country;
• Consolidating national unity;
• Advising on national policy
• acting as mediators in conflicts arising between political organizations;
• assisting in resolving internal conflicts within a political organization upon the request of that political organization.

The Forum?s decisions shall always be taken by consensus of the constituent organizations. It is worth noting also that in accordance with Article 82 of the Constitution, the Forum has the prerogative of designating four Senators out of the 26 who make up the Senate in Rwanda.