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(English) ACSS Delegation Conducts a Program With Uganda Community Chapter in Kampala
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A delegation from the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS) visited Uganda on January 28 to February 6, 2013 to attend a workshop on “Improving Regional Responses to Transnational and Irregular Threats in Eastern Africa”—an academic program of the Africa Center—and organize a Topical Outreach Program Series (TOPS) visit, an Africa Center initiative designed to strengthen long-term relations between community members and the Washington, D.C. headquarters.
During the visit, the delegation, which included Bradley Anderson, Program Manager at the ACSS East Africa Regional Office, Thomas Dempsey, Assistant Professor for Security Studies, and Mary McGurn, Community Affairs Specialist, met with the outgoing chair of the Uganda Community Chapter, Constitutional Court Justice Steven B.K. Kavuma, to discuss the state of the chapter, and its upcoming 10th anniversary. They also attended the election of the new executive committee for the chapter, chaired by Ms. Edith Mwanje, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of the East Africa Community (EAC) Affairs.
The visit to Kampala included a two-day TOPS symposium on peacekeeping operations and transnational threats. Nearly100 people—diplomats, military and civilians—gathered twice at Rwenzori Ballroom, Sheraton Kampala Hotel on February 4-5, 2013, for discussions concerning peacekeeping operations in Eastern Africa and rule of law and illicit trafficking. Both topics featured presenters drawn from ACSS academic staff, the Ugandan government and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
During a discussion about peacekeeping operations in Eastern Africa held on February 4, Major General Francis Okello recounted—in the morning session—logistical and political challenges he faced when serving as the Force Commander of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) from March 2008 to August 2009. General Okello said that despite resource constraints and, at times, inadequate training, AMISOM did not fail its mandate in Somalia, even if it has not fully accomplished it yet. He also laid the ground in his presentation for multidimensional peacekeeping operations to be effective.
The afternoon session featured Ms. Amanda Magambo from the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability Centre and ACSS’s Dempsey, who discussed the role of civilians—and particularly women—in peacekeeping operations. Both presenters gave an overview of the evolving nature of peace operations in Africa, the role of women in conflict zones, and the key challenges they face. They concluded by presenting some recommendations for integrating women into military and police, as well as the broader society.
During a symposium on Rule of Law and Illicit Trafficking on February 5 that highlighted Uganda’s growing concerns about illicit trafficking, Senior Commissioner of Police Moses Sakira, Deputy Director of Interpol in Uganda, provided in his keynote address an overview of illicit trafficking trends in Eastern Africa. SCP Sakira also discussed lessons learned during Operation Hope, a three-day operation conducted throughout the five EAC-member states, aimed at curtailing illegal smuggling in the region. In Uganda, the operation resulted in the rescue of two dozen victims of human trafficking, the seizure of large quantities of illicit weapons, ivory, narcotics and counterfeit medicine as well as the arrest of numerous traffickers implicated in the sting.
However, SCP Sakira also said that the operation highlighted serious deficiencies in the country’s legal framework on illicit trafficking. Other speakers—including Commissioner of Police Moses Binoga, the coordinator of the newly established National Human Trafficking Task Force in Uganda; Ms. Patricia Nduru, Human Right Officer at the Uganda Human Right Commission; and Colonel Aloysius Kagoro, Vice Chair, Uganda Chapter and Deputy Chief of Legal Services, UPDF—echoed his concerns and recommended that the state intensifies capacity building for police officers engaged in countering illegal trafficking as a way forward.
In their final words, representatives of the Africa Center, the U.S. embassy in Kampala and the Uganda Community Chapter thanked the participants for their thoughtful discussions and their efforts to improve the life of their countrymen. ACSS’s Anderson encouraged the Uganda Chapter to conduct similar forums more often in the future.
The Africa Center is the pre-eminent institution for strategic security studies, research, and outreach in Africa. The Center engages African partner states and institutions through rigorous academic and outreach programs that build strategic capacity and foster long-term, collaborative relationships. Over the past 13 years, more than 6,000 African and international leaders have participated in over 200 ACSS academic programs.(English) ACSS-Lesotho encouraged to continue keeping peace, stability
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Maintenance of peace and stability could promote foreign investment in any country which in turn would generate more jobs. The Speaker of the National Assembly Mr. Sephiri Motanyane said this when addressing members of the African Centre of Strategic Studies (ACSS)-Lesotho chapter at a one day symposium held in Maseru today (Wednesday). The symposium was hosted by the United States(U.S) Embassy in Maseru and the Africa Centre Event to discuss the Role of Military in Elections and Parliamentary Oversight of the Security Sector.
Mr. Motanyane said members of the Lesotho Defence Force(LDF) demonstrated professionalism by upholding the values of Basotho and ensuring that stability is maintained throughout the elections period. ''LDF can now be counted amongst the best military officers as they learn and adapt very easily whenever they are being trained,'' he said. He pointed out that he was proud of the support and the role played by LDF to keep peace and stability during the May 26 general polls which resulted in the formation of a new system of ruling in the political history of Lesotho. Mr. Motanyane added that since Lesotho started to interact with the military establishments worldwide particularly with those in the U.S, LDF members showed a lot of professionalism.
[caption id="attachment_21266" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Members of the Lesotho Community Chapter of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS), October 30, 2012, in Maseru, Lesotho."]
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Speaking at the same occasion U.S Ambassador to Lesotho Mrs. Michele Bond said the work of the ACSS is vital to promote dialogue between Lesotho and the U.S. She said this year's symposium would address two key areas aimed at strengthening bilateral relations on areas of democracy and security. Mrs. Bond highlighted a responsible role played by LDF in the elections indicating that in terms of democracy, the timing of today's discussions could not have been better. She expressed hope that LDF will develop its capacity to contribute with its humanitarian efforts and possibly even peacekeeping operations on the African continent.
She further said Lesotho and the U.S will continue to work together to build the LDF skills and its officers so that the military officers serve and protect the interests of Basotho as expressed through their democratic institutions.
On the other hand, the Acting Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Defence Mr. Pitso Makosholo said the Ministry will support ACSS-members in Lesotho to ensure that they achieve their goals. He said the military has to be loyal to the state by ensuring that peace and security are maintained at all times. He however advised the ACSS committee to revisit its programme for the development of ACSS-Lesotho chapter.
ACSS is a U.S. Department of Defence academic organisation that engages African states and institutions through rigorous academic and outreach programme that build strategic capacity and foster long-term, collaborative relationships.
Source: Lesotho News Agency(English) Africa Center Co-Hosts Civil-Military Symposium, Launches Malawi Chapter
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View Photos of the Event
LILONGWE, Malawi – In partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Lilongwe, the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS) conducted an academic symposium July 25-26, 2012, on the topic of civil-military relations in a democracy, an important topic in Malawi, which underwent a lawful change of leadership in April when Vice President Joyce Banda assumed the presidency following the unexpected death of President Bingu wa Mutharika. The Africa Center symposium also marked the launch of the ACSS Community Chapter in Malawi.
The creation of the Africa Center Malawi Chapter “marks an important milestone in the security sector for Malawi,” said Patrick V. Kachimera, Secretary of National Defence, who spoke at the symposium’s opening ceremony July 25.
Because Africa Center programs bring together professionals from across government sectors and civil society, Kachimera suggested the chapter could be used as a “conduit for institution-building in Malawi.” He added that he hoped the Africa Center chapter and its programs would continue to “encourage a culture of professionalism” within the security sector, as well as build greater trust between government agencies and between government and civil sectors.
Both days’ sessions were attended by approximately 50 people representing numerous sectors, including the Ministry of National Defence, the National Intelligence Bureau, the Malawi Police Service, the Ministry of Health, a member of Parliament, academic and media professionals, representatives of non-government organizations, and officials from the U.S. Embassy.
The Malawi Chapter became the Africa Center’s 31st chapter. ACSS chapters are intended to nurture the exchange of ideas within nations and regions, as well as between host nations and U.S. government representatives.
During the ACSS meetings in Lilongwe, Brigadier General Rodrick Chimowa was elected president of the ACSS Malawi Chapter. “Working together we can achieve great things,” Chimowa said. He added that the Malawi government’s support of the ACSS Chapter would contribute to Malawians developing increasingly effective approaches to national and regional security issues.
The sudden heart attack and death of President Wa Mutharika in April led to a temporary constitutional crisis in Malawi before his death was formally announced and, in accordance with the constitution of Malawi, President Joyce Banda, who was serving as vice president, was sworn in as the nation’s first female president. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in a July statement marking Malawi’s national day, said that “over recent months, Malawi has demonstrated an impressive commitment to the rule of law and democracy.” Ambassador Jeanine Jackson, the U.S. ambassador to Malawi, also has applauded the actions of the Malawi Defence Force for its actions during the presidential transition, saying the MDF “served as a model of what a professional military should do in a democracy."
Speaking at the July 25 opening ceremony of the Africa Center event, Lisa Vickers, the Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Lilongwe, also praised the professionalism of the Malawi Defence Force during the presidential transition and spoke of the “deep” partnership between the United States and Malawi. The establishment of the Africa Center chapter in Malawi, she said, would contribute to cross-sector relationships and cooperation between government and civil society. “Sustainable solutions grow from diverse opinions,” Vickers said.
Vickers also highlighted the new U.S. Strategy for Sub-Saharan Africa, announced in June by President Obama. The policy sets forth four strategic objectives for U.S. engagement in Africa: (1) strengthening democratic institutions; (2) spurring economic growth, trade, and investment; (3) advancing peace and security; and (4) promoting opportunity and development.
The Africa Center for Strategic Studies is a U.S. Department of Defense institution for security studies, research, and outreach in Africa. The Washington, D.C.,-based Africa Center sent a three-person academic and outreach delegation to the Malawi Chapter launch, including U.S. Colonel Saul Bracero, deputy chief of staff for ACSS, and Dr. Mathurin C. Houngnikpo, the Academic Chair of Civil-Military Relations at ACSS.
Africa Center programs and symposiums gather perspectives and recommendations from a cross-section of international security-sector officials, public servants, and civil-society representatives. Thousands of security, government, and civil-society professionals from across Africa have attended African Center programs since the Center’s founding in 1999. Prior to the July 25-26 symposium, approximately 60 Malawians from across diverse sectors participated in ACSS academic programs.
The July 25-26 event in Lilongwe was part of the Africa Center’s Topical Outreach Program Series (TOPS), which allow ACSS chapters and alumni to remain actively involved in regional security discussions. ACSS had conducted more than 90 TOPS visits to 35 African countries.Les anciens élèves du Centre d’Etudes Stratégiques de l’Afrique (CESA) organisent une conférence sur la paix au Sénégal
Haut fonctionnaires, officiers de haut rang et membres du corps diplomatique se sont retrouvés le 19 novembre dans les salons de l’hôtel Terrou Bi à Dakar pour une discussion à bâtons rompus sur les perspectives de paix et développement en Afrique de l’Ouest. La conférence était organisée par l’Amicale Sénégalaise du Centre d’Etudes Stratégiques de l’Afrique (ASCESA) présidée par le général (e.r.) Lamine Cissé qui a reçu le prix du visionnaire du CESA en 2008. Le ministre sénégalais de la défense était représenté par son chef de cabinet, M. Birane Niang.
La Conférence de Dakar était le premier événement organisé par L’ASCESA depuis la relance de ses activités en juillet 2011. Lors de cette rencontre, tous les participants ont pu discuter avec les experts venus du monde académique et de l’armée, les meilleurs moyens de promouvoir la culture de la paix et du développement en Afrique de l’Ouest. Le rôle de la société civile et la place des forces de sécurité dans la promotion de cette culture de la paix ont été au centre des débats.
Dans son allocution d’ouverture, le général Cissé a tenu à remercier le CESA pour son soutien constant à l’amicale sénégalaise. Il a également rappelé à l’auditoire que le CESA avait été créé à Dakar en 1999, ce qui donne au Sénégal une place particulière dans l’histoire du Centre.
Les amicales d’anciens élèves du CESA, se veulent des lieux de réflexion et d’échange sur les questions de défense et de sécurité en Afrique. Elles se chargent aussi de maintenir un lien de communication avec le CESA et les ambassades américaines. Enfin, les réunions d’anciens élèves du Centre donnent aussi l’occasion aux membres d’étoffer leur réseau professionnel.
Pour plus d’informations allez sur www.africacenter.org
Le CESA organise un symposium avec l’amicale du CESA au Botswana sur les défis environnementaux pesant sur la sécurité du pays
Mathurin Houngnikpo, Bradley Anderson et Emily Renard, membres du personnel du Centre d’études stratégiques de l’Afrique (CESA), se sont rendus à Gaborone à la mi-septembre pour participer au symposium organisé par l’amicale du CESA au Botswana sur les défis environnementaux pesant sur la sécurité du pays.Une centaine de dirigeants civils et militaires du Botswana ont, aux côtés de leurs homologues américains, assisté à cette conférence organisée le 19 septembre, dans le cadre de la Série de programmes d’initiatives thématiques des amicales du CESA.
Augustine Makgonatsotlhe, membre de la communauté du CESA et secrétaire permanent au bureau du président, a ouvert le symposium en expliquant qu’il mettait l’accent sur la coopération avec la société civile et l’amélioration de la compréhension qu’ont les citoyens de l’armée. Il a félicité l’amicale du CESA d’être un lieu de débats et a vu dans la maturité croissante de cette association un signe de la vitalité de la démocratie au Botswana.
L’ambassadeur des États-Unis, Michelle Gavin, a quant à elle loué le professionnalisme avec lequel les Forces de défense du Botswana s’acquittent de leur devoir au service de la nation.
Le comité exécutif de l’amicale a décidé de consacrer les principaux exposés de la journée aux défis environnementaux pesant sur la stabilité et la sécurité nationales.
M. Wilson Kipkore, de l’Institut des études sur la sécurité, a d’abord présenté les motifs de préoccupation croissants que constituent les changements climatiques, les catastrophes naturelles et l’insécurité alimentaire menaçant le pays. Il a mis l’accent sur les dangers que présentent les rivalités causées par la rareté de l’eau, en ajoutant que les pays devraient renforcer les dispositions réglementaires régissant l’allocation et l’usage de l’eau mais devaient surtout faire appliquer les règles existantes à l’intérieur de leurs frontières et à l’échelle régionale. Il a vivement incité les Africains à faire en sorte que la sécurité de l’infrastructure et de l’environnement soit prise en compte dans le cadre des opérations de maintien de la paix menées sur le continent.
Mathurin C. Houngnikpo, professeur titulaire de la chaire des relations civilo-militaires, a ensuite expliqué comment les dirigeants seraient davantage en mesure de répondre aux problèmes environnementaux et sécuritaires s’ils unissaient leurs efforts au-delà des frontières en collaborant à l’échelle régionale.
Ces exposés ont suscité dans l’auditoire un débat franc et animé sur le rôle du développement durable et la production d’énergie dans le contexte du Botswana, de la criminalité environnementale et des possibilités de coopération régionale. Beaucoup ont reconnu n’avoir jamais considéré les questions environnementales sous l’angle de la sécurité. Ils ont décidé que les anciens élèves devaient commencer à plaider en faveur de la protection de l’environnement au sein du gouvernement du Botswana et des associations régionales.
Les dirigeants de l’amicale ont déclaré que le ministère de la Défense, de la Justice et de la Sécurité espérait que l’association d’anciens élèves servirait de passerelle entre les générations, en donnant aux hauts gradés et dirigeants civils retraités la possibilité de continuer à s’investir et de conseiller les dirigeants en poste sur les questions de sécurité nationale.
La Série de programmes d’initiatives thématiques des amicales de la CESA est la principale initiative menée par l’organisation pour maintenir des relations dynamiques, positives et importantes entre le CESA et les membres de la communauté auquel il s’adresse, de façon à poursuivre les efforts déployés pour atteindre des publics non traditionnels en Afrique et l’établissement de programmes d’études du Centre dans des pays africains ne faisant pas l’objet de visites dans le cadre d’autres programmes formels du CESA. Des programmes d’initiatives thématiques sont organisés dans 29 amicales du CESA réparties dans toute l’Afrique.
Le Centre d’études stratégiques de l’Afrique est le principal organisme des États-Unis chargé de promouvoir les intérêts américains en matière de sécurité en Afrique, en constituant un réseau de leaders africains actuels et futurs du secteur de la sécurité qui soit autonome et dispose des moyens d’action nécessaires.
