Kampala, Uganda | PATRICIA AKANKWATSA | The 7th Kampala Geopolitics Conference, held at Makerere University, reinforced its position as a key platform for discussing international relations, global economics, and social issues pertinent to Africa.
This year's theme, “The African Dimensions in International Debates,” attracted a distinguished assembly of experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to address pressing challenges and develop collaborative solutions from an African perspective.
Organized by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) in partnership with Alliance Française Kampala, the French Embassy in Uganda, and Makerere University, the conference has become a cornerstone of intellectual exchange in Uganda.
Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice-Chancellor of Makerere University, emphasized the necessity of tackling Africa's unique geographical challenges and promoting equitable resource distribution across the continent. He called for greater collaboration among African nations to devise solutions that reflect their specific needs and aspirations.
“The Kampala Geopolitics Conference should address national and global issues such as employment, food security, governance, and democracy,” he stated.
Nils Wärmer, Director of the KAS Regional Programme Security Dialogue for East Africa, noted the conference's growth since its establishment in 2018.
“We have created an interactive platform for discussing contemporary issues impacting Africa, inspired by France’s Nantes Geopolitics Conference,” he remarked.
This year's agenda covered a wide array of crucial topics, including Sudan’s Path to Peace, combating Jihadism, East Africa’s Geopolitical Role, and the global impacts on Africa.
The conference featured a stellar lineup of experts from various African countries, including Sudan, South Sudan, Egypt, Somalia, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Djibouti, and others. Notable specialists from Mogadishu and Hargeisa also contributed valuable insights from conflict zones, ensuring discussions were deeply rooted in the African context.
Janyce Obrecht, First Counsellor of the French Embassy in Uganda, highlighted the collaborative spirit driving the conference.
“This forum fosters open debate, knowledge sharing, and intellectual growth, promoting fresh perspectives on international relations,” she said.
Professor Dr. Guillemine Taupiac Nouvel, an expert in international criminal justice, addressed the vital role of judicial institutions in tackling sexual and gender-based violence as war crimes. She stressed the need to combat impunity and enhance legal frameworks for sustainable reconciliation.
Dr. Nouvel’s insights underscored the importance of robust institutions and adherence to the rule of law in achieving peace and stability across Africa.
The two-day conference concluded with a strong call to action, encouraging participants to engage actively in Africa’s development and its growing global influence. The rich discussions and diverse viewpoints reaffirmed the Kampala Geopolitics Conference as a premier intellectual event in Uganda and a crucial forum for fostering international collaboration.
