ADAFP’s governance structure is composed of three leading organs—the General Assembly (GA) as the supreme decision-making authority, the Executive Committee (EC) as the principal executive body, and the Board of Trustees (BT) as the strategic advisory institution—supported by complementary organs designed to enhance moral authority, visibility, and institutional continuity. These supporting organs, namely the President of Honour (PH) and the Patrons (PT), do not exercise executive or voting powers but serve in advisory, representative, and symbolic roles, thereby reinforcing ADAFP’s legitimacy, credibility, and outreach at both continental and international levels.
General Assembly
The General Assembly (GA) is the supreme decision-making body of ADAFP and is composed of delegates representing member parties, affiliated organizations, and national chapters. It holds ultimate authority over the organization’s strategic and institutional direction. The GA is responsible for approving the annual budget and work program, electing the Executive Committee, amending the Charter and by-laws, and deciding on the admission or exclusion of members and chapters. It also reviews and evaluates reports submitted by the Executive Committee, the Bureau of Trustees, and other executive institutions, ensuring accountability and coherence across all governing bodies.
The GA meets in ordinary session once every two years, with extraordinary sessions convened by the President, the Executive Committee, or upon request by one-third of the membership. Decisions are generally taken by a simple majority, while amendments to the Charter and exclusions of members require a two-thirds majority. Each full member party holds one base vote, with additional votes allocated to parties represented in national parliaments according to a proportional formula based on their parliamentary seats, using a scaling factor approved by the GA. Parties without parliamentary representation retain one vote, while associate members and national chapters each have one vote. Online participation and proxy voting may be permitted under approved procedures, and the Executive Committee may periodically review the voting formula to preserve fairness and balance among members.
Board of Trustess
The Board of Trustees (BT) serves as a strategic advisory body providing guidance, mentorship, and mediation within ADAFP. It is composed of 10 to 15 highly respected leaders and experts, elected by the General Assembly for life, reflecting their experience, integrity, and long-term commitment to the organization’s values. The Board elects a Chairperson from among its members, and trustees serve in a strictly non-voting, advisory capacity. Members of the Board may be removed by the General Assembly in cases of serious violations of ADAFP principles, and any vacancies are filled by the subsequent General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Chairperson.
The BT advises the Executive Committee and the General Assembly on strategic orientation and policy matters, reviews major political and programmatic initiatives, and supports conflict resolution within the organization. It is also responsible for administering the Freedom and Progress Prize and for safeguarding ADAFP’s founding vision, institutional memory, and long-term continuity, thereby ensuring stability and coherence across leadership transitions.
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee (EC) is the principal executive body of ADAFP, responsible for leadership and the effective management of the organization’s affairs. It is composed of the President, Deputy President, Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General, and Treasurer, all elected for four-year terms, renewable once. In the event of vacancies, the EC may appoint interim replacements, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. Acting collectively, the EC ensures continuity of leadership and the efficient execution of the Alliance’s mandate.
The EC is entrusted with implementing the decisions of the General Assembly and managing the day-to-day political, financial, and administrative operations of ADAFP. It represents the Alliance in regional and international forums, approves and supervises national chapters, and ensures full compliance with the Charter, democratic standards, and ethical principles. The EC holds authority to suspend or exclude chapters acting contrary to ADAFP’s values, subject to ratification by the next General Assembly. To ensure transparency and accountability, the EC submits annual reports to the President of Honour and the Board of Trustees, as well as a comprehensive biennial report to the General Assembly outlining organizational performance, financial management, and strategic progress.
Patrons
Patrons (PT) are distinguished honorary figures whose public service and political trajectories embody the defense of freedom, democracy, human rights, and social progress in Africa. They are drawn from former Heads of State and former Heads of Government of African countries and are invited by the Executive Committee, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. The number of Patrons is limited to a maximum of ten at any given time, with due regard to regional balance and gender representation. Patrons hold no executive or voting authority and serve solely in an honorary capacity, reinforcing the Alliance’s moral standing and symbolic leadership.
Patrons uphold and promote the values and mission of ADAFP at both continental and international levels, lending moral authority, historical depth, and political legitimacy to the Alliance’s work. They support ADAFP’s advocacy, diplomatic outreach, and public communication efforts, act as high-level ambassadors for its ideals and initiatives, and contribute to ceremonies, conferences, and mentorship activities. Patrons meet at least once a year in an Advisory Session convened by the President of Honour and facilitated by the Executive Committee, with their written recommendations transmitted to the Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees for consideration. They may also attend General Assembly meetings as honorary guests, with the right to speak but without voting rights.
President of Honour
The President of Honour (PH) serves as the principal moral authority and symbolic leader of ADAFP, embodying the Alliance’s core values and historical legitimacy. The position is held by a current or former President or Head of Government of an African country whose public record demonstrates a strong commitment to democracy, freedom, and progress. The President of Honour is elected by the General Assembly for life or until voluntary resignation, reflecting the exceptional trust and esteem vested in the role.
In this capacity, the President of Honour represents ADAFP at major continental and international events, opens and presides over ceremonial sessions of the General Assembly, and delivers keynote addresses that provide moral guidance and inspiration. The PH also offers strategic counsel to the General Assembly, the Executive Committee, and the Board of Trustees, while actively promoting ADAFP’s visibility, credibility, and standing among political leaders, institutions, and the wider public.
Read our Governance Charter
Governance Charter of the ADAFP 2026