The webinar is aimed to assess the role and efficacy of foreign involvement in the peace and security architecture of African nations, ranging from funding, training, to physical involvement through troop contributions on both bi-lateral and multi-lateral basis. The deployment of foreign forces in Africa has been a contentious issue since the emergence of its various states from colonial rule
In delivering on its purpose, discussants will attempt to address the following questions:
- Is there a growing interest in the establishment of foreign military bases in Africa?
- Is Africa being militarized?
- What are the basis and place of foreign military aid in international relations?
- What are the challenges and opportunities of the African Peace and Security Architecture?
- What are the viabilities of a consensus among Africans and African leaders for the increased deployment of foreign forces in Africa?
- What are the theoretical and contemporary historical examples of the pros and cons of foreign military deployments across the world?
- What are the implications of the growing interest of China in Africa and the possibilities and viabilities of the deployment of Chinese forces in Africa?
- What are the specific or implied interests of foreign nations in Africa, and is Africa at the threshold of a renewed turf for proxy wars?
The webinar is expected to provide a forum for better understanding of the following:
- The nexus of defence and development, and these priorities in Africa.
- The political, diplomatic, economic and military status of Africa in the global security environment.
- Enumerate and clarify the concerns of Africa and their leaders on the implications of increasing foreign military deployments on the continent.
- The challenges and opportunities of foreign military aid to Africa.
- The viability of the emerging interest in the further deployment of foreign troops in Africa.
- The present and future interest of Chinese global defence interest in Africa