Issa Shivji, expert on law and development in Africa, to give two talks

Issa Shivji
Shivji

Issa Shivji, director of the Department of Constitutional and Administrative Law at the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, will deliver two public talks as a guest of Cornell University's Institute for African Development (IAD):

  • "The Development Discourse in Africa Since Independence," Thursday, Sept. 15, at 2:30 p.m. in G08, Uris Hall.
  • "The Legality and Legitimacy of Constitution-Making: The East Africa Experience," Friday, Sept. 16, at 12:15 p.m. in Room 273, Myron Taylor Hall.

Both talks are free and open to the public.

"Shivji is one of Africa's leading experts on law and development issues," said Muna Ndulo, Cornell's IAD director. "He comes to us at an appropriate time in view of the preparations under way at the United Nations in New York to hold the largest ever gathering of heads of states to discuss development and poverty in the world at this year's annual General Assembly meeting. Shivji is uniquely qualified to lead us in a discussion on the challenges of development and the elimination of extreme poverty."

Shivji has served as advocate of the high court and the Court of Appeal of Tanzania since 1977 and advocate of the high court in Zanzibar since 1989. He has taught and worked in universities all over the world, including the University of Zimbabwe, the University of Warwick, the University of Hong Kong and El Colegio De Mexico. He is a prolific writer and researcher, producing books, monographs and articles, as well as a weekly column printed in national newspapers. He most recently co-authored the book "Constitutional and Legal Systems of Tanzania" (2005).

Each semester, IAD sponsors scholars to visit Cornell who provide intellectually stimulating perspectives on contemporary African issues, challenges and future policy directions. In addition, visiting scholars participate in one or more classes, meet with students and faculty, and as the need may arise, join the Africanist faculty for a more intensive workshop or seminar.

For more information about the event or IAD, call (607) 255-5499/6849 or visit the IAD Web site at http://www.einaudi.cornell.edu/africa/news/index.asp?id=813.

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