“Why are our member states going overseas to beg? What we need is to accelerate unity, and develop tools through alliances and partnerships, unity and common purpose.”
Mme Bineta Diop is a women’s rights activist and African Union Commission Chairperson’s Special Envoy on Women, Peace, and Security (WOPS). I spoke to her about her experience with the Tana Forum on Security in Africa.
Below are some of her reflections:
1. She noted that the conception and launch of the Tana Forum were innovative ideas, evident in the other forums that emerged from the Tana Forum concept. For example, the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa and the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development. “When people start copying you, it means you are doing a good thing.”
2. Mme Diop emphasises that her hope for the continent relies on citizen engagement, effective governance, strong institutions, and leadership. She believes it is essential for governments to involve young people, as they are the ones most affected by corruption and poor governance. She also urges Africa to utilise its natural resources for its development.
You can learn more about Mme Diop’s perspectives on peace and security in Africa, women’s roles in peace and security, and leadership here: https://hesphina.com/2025/01/06/tana-at-ten-publications/
GIZ,German International Cooperation