Dr. Afua Boatemaa Yakohene, a distinguished Senior Research Fellow at the Legon Centre for International Affairs and Diplomacy (LECIAD), recently delivered a compelling address at a security conference highlighting the interconnectedness of Africa and Europe’s security challenges. The conference, titled “Security is Borderless: How Africa and Europe’s Security are Connected,” was jointly organized by LECIAD and the Czech Republic Embassy at the Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISSER).
Dr. Yakohene underscored the concept of borderless security in today’s globalized world, where traditional boundaries are increasingly irrelevant due to the seamless flow of goods, services, capital, and information. She emphasized that security concerns in one country or region can easily transcend borders, impacting the security of neighboring and even distant states.
Drawing on historical examples, Dr. Yakohene highlighted how Africa’s involvement in past world wars demonstrated the borderless nature of security threats. She noted that globalization has only magnified this reality, making it imperative for countries to address security challenges collectively.
In a contemporary context, Dr. Yakohene pointed out the repercussions of events like the Russia-Ukraine war and the collapse of Libya on Africa’s security landscape, leading to issues such as food insecurity, arms trafficking, terrorism, and political instability. She identified organized crime, irregular migration, climate-induced instability, and terrorist attacks as key threats facing West Africa, with ripple effects on Europe’s security interests.
Dr. Yakohene stressed the importance of collaborative efforts between Africa and Europe to address shared security concerns. She cited initiatives like the EUCAP Sahel mission in Niger and the EUTM training mission in Mali as examples of successful cooperation. She emphasized the need for both diplomatic and operational cooperation to maintain peace and stability across both continents.
Furthermore, Dr. Yakohene highlighted the significance of strong national commitment in enhancing international security collaborations. She emphasized the role of mechanisms like the African Standby Force and the ECOWAS Standby Force in maintaining regional security. She also lauded the EU’s investment in African governance to promote stability, citing examples from Ghana.
In conclusion, Dr. Yakohene called for enhanced dialogue and cooperation between Europe and Africa to tackle security challenges effectively. She emphasized the mutual benefits of a robust security partnership and underscored the importance of states’ commitment to strengthening regional mechanisms and sustaining peace on the African continent.
The conference was chaired by Professor Peter Quartey, the Director of LECIAD, who echoed the interconnectedness of Europe and Africa’s security issues. He emphasized the urgent need to address cross-border crimes and insurgencies affecting both regions, praising the Czech Republic Embassy for initiating discussions on this critical topic.
Overall, the conference served as a platform for fostering greater collaboration and understanding between Europe and Africa to address shared security challenges and promote peace and stability across both continents.
