The opening ceremony was followed by a group photo, viewable in the photo gallery above

Panel I provided an overview of the broad normative and legal principles of constitutionalism, rule of law, and respect for term limits, such as are included in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the African Union Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance, and the constitutions of various African countries, specifically as relates to presidential term limits. The panel focused on the embrace of these principles and their implementation or enforcement across the continent.​

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Panel II discussed the mechanisms and processes that have supported peaceful democratic transitions, and how to create and foster an environment that promotes smooth transfers of power from one leader and administration to the next. Topics of discussion included: good offices missions before and after presidential elections; managing electoral outcomes until the swearing in of the new president; and best practices for supporting communications during the transition, both internally within government and externally to the wider public. Panelists highlighted their roles in successful transitions in the region, and/or discussed personal experiences from their own transitions.​

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Panel III discussed efforts by African leaders to cement their legacies after leaving office. They also discussed the varied paths that former heads of state can and have taken after leaving the presidency, and how such paths can and have contributed positively to respect of presidential term limits and the rule of law, and/or have improved the wellbeing of citizens in their countries or across the continent.

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Panel IV discussed issues of transitional justice and draw upon speakers’ experiences with the realities of implementing transition processes where violations of various forms have occurred under national or international law. Participants discussed strategies for balancing demands for both justice and national reconciliation.

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Panel V focused on how to consolidate democratic gains across the continent by reinforcing national and regional consensus around respect for term limits. Panelists suggested ways to uphold constitutional norms across the continent. This panel also discussed the role of political leaders and civil society in catering to citizen demands for regular democratic transitions. finally, this panel will built upon previous sessions and identified best practices to include in the Niamey Declaration of Principles to mobilize support for constitutional term limits across the continent.​

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The final panel drew on discussions throughout the conference and looked towards the future to discuss ways in which summit participants could engage the movement for constitutional term limits on the continent.​

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