As we try to formulate new modes of governance for contemporary Africa, can we draw from traditional African values and Africa’s political experiences from the past? Can tradition and modernity, legitimacy and legality, be reconcilied and reinforce each other? In order to discuss those issues, a group of scholars, political and religious leaders and traditional chiefs were invited for a ground-breaking conference, held in Bamako in January 2007. These proceedings present the key contributions and debates that took place on that occasion.