On August 28, 2024, Afripoli had the honor of hosting an exclusive roundtable discussion at its headquarters in Prague, marking a significant step in strengthening collaboration between European and African stakeholders on critical geopolitical and security issues. The event saw the participation of a distinguished delegation from the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) alongside an expert from Charles University.
The roundtable was led by Afripoli’s Founder and Chairman of the Board, Petr Boháček, and its Director, Vojtěch Bílý, with significant contributions from Tomislav Delinić, Director of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Czechia. The KAS delegation included Dr. Susanne Conrad, Policy Advisor for Rule of Law and Security in Sub-Saharan Africa, Gregory Meyer, Project Manager for the Regional Programme Security Dialogue for East Africa, as well as key figures from East Africa: Raymond Mujuni from Uganda, Honourable Ahmed Abdi Koshin from Somalia, Honourable Fredrick Lusuli Ikana from Kenya, and General (Rtd) Robert Kariuki Kibochi, also from Kenya. The academic perspective was represented by Bohumil Doboš from Charles University.
The gathering focused on a range of pressing issues affecting the African continent, particularly in the Horn of Africa and the broader East African region. Central to the discussions was the current security landscape, including the challenges posed by terrorism, civil conflicts, and cross-border disputes. The participants also examined the role that the European Union could play in enhancing regional stability, emphasizing the need for more coordinated and strategic engagement.
Another significant topic was the growing geopolitical competition, as major powers like China, Russia, and Western nations vie for influence.The roundtable also considered the growing influence of other key players, particularly the “middle-powers,” and the significant roles that Gulf countries and other regional powers are increasingly playing in shaping Africa’s geopolitical and economic landscape.
The event provided an important platform to explore prospects for defense industry cooperation between Europe and East Africa, highlighting opportunities for investment and collaboration aimed at building local capacities and contributing to long-term stability in the region.
The roundtable concluded with a shared commitment to continue this vital dialogue and to explore further avenues for cooperation. The insights gained will inform future strategies to address the multifaceted challenges facing Africa. Afripoli looks forward to deepening its partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung and other stakeholders, with the goal of fostering a more secure and prosperous future for Africa and Europe.