The General Assembly is established in
CODESRIA's Charter as the highest decision-making organ of the Council.
It meets once every three years around a scientific theme. The debates
which take place during the Assembly constitute the kernel around which
the CODESRIA intellectual agenda is developed. During its triennial
meetings, the Assembly also elects the President, Vice-President and
members of the Council's Executive Committee. Participation in the
Assembly is open both to institutional and individual members
The
Executive Committee, made up of 10 members and with the Executive
Secretary serving as a member ex-officio, is the second governing organ
of CODESRIA. Its members are elected by the General Assembly on the
basis of equality of representation of the five regions of Africa,
namely, Southern Africa, Central Africa, Eastern Africa, North Africa
and West Africa. The Committee meets at least once yearly and is
responsible for the realisation of the objectives for which the Council
was established. It is accountable to the General Assembly for its
activities and for the recruitment of international staff into the
Executive Secretariat. It is also responsible for approving the annual
budget and work plan developed by the Executive Secretariat.
The Executive Secretariat is responsible
for the implementation of the scientific programs of CODESRIA, including
the mobilisation and coordination of members to undertake the programme
of activities that have been approved by the General Assembly and the
Executive Committee. The Secretariat is also charged with developing and carrying
out relations with other organisation. It is led by an Executive
Secretary appointed by the Executive Committee for an initial term of
four years that is renewable once. The Executive Secretary is
responsible for the day to day management of the Council, including the
mobilisation and use of resources, except the appointment of
international staff. The Executive Secretary also signs all contracts in
the name of the Council and serves as secretary to both the
Executive Committee and the General Assembly
