The French newspaper Libération announced that it is organising from 9 to 10 October at the Amitié stadium in Libreville, nine round-table meetings which will gather experts, representatives of the civil society and political leaders from all sides. “Our newspaper has decided to extend these debates abroad starting with the African continent, due to the key issues it is experiencing. These African forums will follow the same rules, which are embedded in the guidelines by which this civic activity has been operating since inception”, Laurent Joffrin (photo), Chief Editor of Libération, explained.

The journalist added: “As previously, we are working with partners committed to the fight for democracy. The first two meetings will be held in Libreville, Gabon and Fès, Morocco in cooperation with Reporters without Borders, Transparency International, the World Bank, OECD and Réseau des Défenseurs des Droits de l’Homme en Afrique Centrale (Human Rights Defence Network in Central Africa)”. These forums are open to all and registration can be done online at Liberation.fr.

Since 2007, Libération has been organising in French cities big citizen forums with the goal of discussing public affairs. These forums are open and free of admission. They allow all interested citizens to listen and question leaders from all sides, experts, intellectuals or journalists.