“Reboot the Tana Forum on Security in Africa”: Dr. Mulugeta Gebrehiwot
Dr. Mulugeta Gebrehiwot was the Director of the IPSS during the conceptualization and launch of the Tana Forum on Security in Africa. He possesses deep knowledge of the process that led to the forum’s development. He shares his reflections on how the Tana Forum concept evolved into a globally recognized platform for promoting peace and security in Africa.
Dr. Mulugeta shares two pieces of advice on collaboration, partnerships, learning, and adapting, which he got from the organisers of the Munich Security conference. These are:
1. Inviting senior politicians, heads of state, and government for a conference like the Tana Forum in a capital or any big city would result in them being distracted by Embassy and other diplomatic duties, instead of remaining focused on the Forum. Hence, the choice of a retreat-like environment: Bahir Dar.
2. The Tana Forum was too large a project for a then-small institute like the IPSS at Addis Ababa University. It required champions at the heads of state level who would advocate for it among their peers. “If the IPSS was to bring heads of state and government to Ethiopia, then it was necessary for the Ethiopian head of state to be a part of it.” This factor also required close partnership and collaboration with the AU Commission and other relevant institutions on the continent to work together toward a common goal.
Another important reflection by Dr. Gebrehiwot is the need to “reboot” the Tana Forum. So much has happened globally and in Africa since the Forum’s launch in 2012. The Forum requires a reboot to remain relevant in a new global and African context.
You can read more of his reflections here: