It is always essential to look back to move forward. 2024 has come and gone. As we enter 2025, I would like to look back and celebrate some key milestones.
This year saw the conclusion of the work of the Namibian Government-Amani Africa-led Panel of Experts on Africa and the Reform of the Multilateral System, of which I was a member. The work of the Panel was held under the patronage of now Namibia’s President-elect, H.E Nandi Ndaitwa, then Deputy Prime Minister of Namibia. The Panel produced a report which contains important recommendations of interest to Africa/the African Union. The report can be accessed here: https://amaniafrica-et.org/wp-content/uploads/AFRICA-AND-THE-REFORM-OF-THE-MULTILATERAL-SYSTEM.pdf
I participated in the fourth edition of the Aswan Forum on Peace and Sustainable Development in Cairo in July. The Forum was a great platform for sharing ideas and insights on peace and sustainable development in Africa and globally.
Earlier in the year, I received a copy of the book, “Key Issues in African Diplomacy-Developments and Achievements” ” edited by Sven Botha and Jo-Ansie van Wyk and published by Bristol University Press. The book contains a chapter I co-authored with Jennifer Chiriga and Rudo Chitiga titled “Challenges and Triumphs for Women Leaders in African Diplomacy.” As co-authors, we participated in various events where discussions were held on key issues in the chapter and the book.
In celebration of Africa Day on 25 May I participated in the 20th Anniversary of the African Union’s Peace and Security Council in Dar Es Salam, Tanzania. This was a great opportunity for stakeholders to collectively discuss the achievements and challenges of the PSC in the past twenty years.
After almost two and a half years in the making, my two books on the Tana Forum on Security in Africa are out, published by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The first book is entitled “Reflections on the 10 Years of the Tana Forum on Security in Africa”, with a foreword by former President Obasanjo. The second one is in a coffee table format, titled “Tana at Ten-A Celebration” with inputs from leaders and experts I interviewed during the book writing process. The books are available here:
The Thabo Mbeki Foundation held its inaugural African Peace and Security Dialogue (APSD) from 4-6 October at Mount Grace Hotel & Spa in Magaliesburg, South Africa. I enjoyed the participation of women; youth; and people from conflict areas such as Sudan and South Sudan. Their participation gave the dialogue a practical face. I was allowed to launch my Tana Review Book: Reflections on the 10 Years of the Tana Forum on Security in Africa.”
From 4-6 November I participated in the Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation (IPATC) University of Johannesburg in South Africa and Trust Africa in Dakar, Senegal’s 2nd African Union Studies Annual Symposium titled “Inclusive Development and the Future of Democracy in Africa: The Role of the AU and RECs.” The Symposium offered a great opportunity to share insights on democracy and development in Africa.
As a member of the AU Advisory Panel on Democracy and Elections, I participated in a consultative meeting of the Panel which was held in Mauritius. This coincided with the elections in Mauritius held on 10 November.
Last but not least, I participated in the 2nd Cape Town Conversations held on 26–29 November in Cape Town. The 2024 Cape Town Conversation centred around issues of importance to the Global South in the context of global governance.
As 2025 unfolds, I look forward to partnering and collaborating in implementing programmes that will contribute to Africa’s vision and the “Africa We Want”.