Kampala Geopolitics Academy 2024

For the first time, the RP SIPODI East Africa brought together a diverse group of young professionals, including researchers in social and political sciences, advisors on security issues in the Horn of Africa, and peacebuilding and governance experts. The aim of this training was to provide participants with in-depth knowledge of international and security affairs and to enable them to place African perspectives in a broader global context.

Nils Wörmer, Director of the KAS RP SIPODI East Africa, officially opened the KGA. In his opening remarks, he highlighted the significant geopolitical shifts in recent years, stressing the increasing importance of comprehensive knowledge in this field.

Throughout the week, the group engaged deeply with various topics of international and security affairs. Dr Christian Rieck led most of the lectures and interactive sessions, covering topics such as “The Hulk Syndrome: Liberal Institutionalism and Germany’s Self-Conception as a Civilian Power”. He also presented a case study on the “African Peace and Security Architecture” and provided an introduction on “How to Write a Policy Paper”.

Dr Susanne Conrad (left) gave presentations on “Jihadism in West Africa: Latest Developments and Threats” and “Russian Influence in Sub-Saharan Africa with a Focus on West Africa.” Prof. Phillip Kasaija Apuuli (right) contributed with presentations on “Africa’s Foreign Policy Approaches in the Era of Globalisation” and “Peace and Security in the Great Lakes Region”.

The Academy was concluded on 21st September with a "Wrap-Up Dinner" and a feedback session at the Kalanoga Resort in Entebbe. During the closing ceremony, participants received certificates in recognition of their successful completion of the KGA.

For the first time, the RP SIPODI East Africa brought together a diverse group of young professionals, including researchers in social and political sciences, advisors on security issues in the Horn of Africa, and peacebuilding and governance experts. The aim of this training was to provide participants with in-depth knowledge of international and security affairs and to enable them to place African perspectives in a broader global context. This was achieved through a combination of lectures, practical exercises, discussions and joint analyses.

The participants were able to get to know each other at a joint dinner the day before the KGA began and exchange their diverse backgrounds and expertise and network. On 17th September 2024, Nils Wörmer, Director of the RP SIPODI East Africa, officially opened the KGA. In his opening remarks, he highlighted the significant geopolitical shifts in recent years, stressing the increasing importance of comprehensive knowledge in this field. He emphasised that the Academy aims to equip young experts with the skills to delve deeper into security policy issues. Following Nils Wörmer's remarks, the participants had the chance to engage with the RP SIPODI East Africa team before the substantive sessions commenced. Each day of the KGA featured three to four sessions, covering a wide range of topics.

Dr Christian Rieck, Lecturer and Research Associate at the Chair of Military History/Cultural History of Violence at the University of Potsdam, and Dr Susanne Conrad, Policy Advisor for the Rule of Law and Security in Sub-Saharan Africa at the KAS headquarters in Berlin, travelled from Germany to deliver lectures. They were joined by Prof. Phillip Kasaija Apuuli, Professor of Political Science at the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at Makerere University in Kampala, and Angelo Izama, an analyst at VRS-Kwawote, consultant, and writer.

Throughout the week, the group engaged deeply with various topics regarding international and security affairs. Dr Christian Rieck led most of the lectures and interactive sessions, covering topics such as “The Hulk Syndrome: Liberal Institutionalism and Germany’s Self-Conception as a Civilian Power”. He also presented a case study on the “African Peace and Security Architecture” and provided an introduction on “How to Write a Policy Paper.” Dr Susanne Conrad gave talks on “Jihadism in West Africa: Latest Developments and Threats” and “Russian Influence in Sub-Saharan Africa with a Focus on West Africa.”

Prof. Phillip Kasaija Apuuli contributed with presentations on “Africa’s Foreign Policy Approaches in the Era of Globalisation” and “Peace and Security in the Great Lakes Region,” while Angelo Izama offered insights on “Emerging Global Powers: Understanding Middle Eastern Approaches to Africa.” Each session was marked by lively exchanges between the young experts and the lecturers, leading to intense discussions and fresh perspectives on the diverse security challenges being addressed.

Outside of the sessions, the participants, lecturers, and RP SIPODI East Africa staff met on Tuesday evening for an ‘Ice Breaker’ dinner at the Fontis Residences Hotel. This gave the participants another opportunity to get to know each other and network. On 19th September 2024, attendees of the Academy also participated in a symposium on Regional Security Dynamics at the Horn of Africa, organised by the RP SIPODI East Africa. Three of the participants contributed their expertise as panellists during the event.

The Academy concluded on 21st September with a "Wrap-Up Dinner" and a feedback session at the Kalanoga Resort in Entebbe. During the closing ceremony, participants received certificates in recognition of their successful completion of the KGA.