KAMPALA – The 7th edition of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference kicked off on Wednesday at Makerere University, bringing together experts and stakeholders to tackle pressing issues in international relations, global economics, and social issues. This year’s theme, “The African Dimensions in International Debates,” set the tone for insightful discussions.
Organized by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) in collaboration with Alliance Francaise Kampala, the French Embassy in Uganda, and Makerere University, the conference has become a premier event on Uganda’s intellectual calendar.
Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice-Chancellor of Makerere University, emphasized the importance of addressing Africa’s geographic challenges and ensuring the continent’s population benefits equitably.
“The Kampala Geopolitics Conference has transformed tremendously. It has become more complex now and a big learning event,” he noted.
“As Makerere University, we’re committed to finding solutions that address Africa’s geographic challenges and ensure the continent’s population benefits equitably.”
Nils Wärmer, Director of KAS Regional Programme Security Dialogue for East Africa, welcomed participants, acknowledging the conference’s growth since 2018. “We’ve provided an interactive platform for dialogue on contemporary issues, inspired by France’s Nantes Geopolitics Conference,” he said.
In this year’s conference, he said they will explore scenarios for Sudan as the conflict approaches its third year, examining Uganda’s potential role in fostering a ceasefire. “Our experts will share valuable insights on the complexities of this situation.”
“Jihadism in Somalia, Nigeria and Mali will also be a key focus, with discussions centered on similarities, lessons learned and effective strategies.”
Additionally, “we’ll examine East Africa’s role in the “Indo Pacific Theatre,” considering geopolitical implications.”
Wärmer said the ongoing major wars in Europe and the Middle East would also be addressed, highlighting their impact on Africa’s economic and diplomatic landscape.
“Our expert lineup boasts an impressive array of specialists from Sudan, South Sudan, Egypt, Somalia, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Djibouti and Somalia, including renowned experts from Mogadishu and Hargeisa.”
Janyce Obrecht, First Counsellor of the Embassy of France in Uganda, appreciated the partnership between the embassy, KAS, Makerere University, and Alliance Française. “The conference promotes debate, knowledge sharing, and open-mindedness, exploring new ways of thinking about international relations,” she emphasized.
For six years, she said the conference has provided an interactive platform for dialogue on contemporary issues. “Inspired by France’s Nantes Geopolitics Conference, the Kampala Geopolitics Conference brings together researchers, civil society representatives, international organizations, governments, artists and entrepreneurs.”
The conference, she said, showcases young Ugandans’ appetite for debates and dialogue on pressing isissues. She underscored that French diplomacy promotes open-mindedness, tolerance and knowledge sharing to explore new ways of thinking about international relations.
“We’ll discuss access to justice, the International Criminal Court’s role and mitigating gender-based violence.” “We’ll analyze challenges, conditions and safeguards for transparent management.”
Obrecht revealed that previous editions succeeded due to quality debates, dynamic panels and increasing participant interest.
Professor Dr. Guillemine Taupiac Nouvel, a renowned expert on international criminal justice, highlighted the crucial role of judicial justice in addressing sexual and gender-based violence as war crimes.
“Judicial justice is a pillar of peace and security, combating impunity,” she stressed. “To achieve reconciliation, judicial justice must strengthen legal frameworks, enhance judicial capacity and ensure victim participation and representation.”
According to her, overcoming legal limitations requires recognizing sexual and gender-based violence as crimes in conflict zones. “Historically, these crimes have been invisible, tolerated and even used as a weapon of war.”
International law has made significant strides:
- The 1998 Akayesus case characterized rape as genocide.
- In 2001, sexual violence was characterized as a crime against humanity.
- The 2016 Gamba case characterized sexual violence as war crimes.
However, Dr. Guillemine, says that enforcement remains weak. “The International Criminal Court’s 2024 reparation order in the Dominic Ongwen case demonstrates progress, awarding €52,429,000 to 49,772 victims.”
She noted that to achieve reconciliation, judicial justice must strengthen legal frameworks, enhance judicial capacity, ensure victim participation and representation.
“By addressing these challenges, judicial justice can effectively combat impunity and promote peace and security.”
Key Takeaways
- The conference addressed pressing issues like scenarios for Sudan, jihadism in Somalia, Nigeria and Mali and East Africa’s role in the “Indo Pacific Theatre.”
- Experts discussed the impact of oil revenue on Uganda’s economy, society and geopolitics.
- The conference showcased young Ugandans’ appetite for debates and dialogue on pressing issues.
The two-day conference concluded with a call to action, urging participants to contribute to Africa’s growth and global influence. With its rich discussions and diverse perspectives, the Kampala Geopolitics Conference solidified its position as a premier intellectual event in Uganda.
