Africa Center Senior Leaders Seminar Opens in Addis

February 26, 2007
No. 11/07

Addis Ababa (U.S. Embassy) -- The Africa Center for Strategic Studies’ Senior Leaders Seminar (SLS) opened in the diplomatic capital of Africa, Addis Ababa, on February 26 with welcome remarks by Ambassador (ret.) Peter R. Chaveas, Director of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies based in Washington, D.C.  Addressing 96 participants and distinguished guests from the diplomatic corps, Ambassador Chaveas explained that the Senior Leaders Seminar was the Africa Center’s flagship program and that this was the second time the prestigious seminar was being held in Addis Ababa.  U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Don Yamamoto commented on the significance for African of bringing together senior level people from so many African countries to focus on security issues.  The President of Ethiopia, H.E. Girma W/Giorgis, officially opened the seminar.

Following the opening ceremony, former President of Mozambique. Joaquim Chissano delivered a keynote address.  Reflecting on the current state of security affairs on the African continent, Chissano stated, “We have a better understanding of the various arms of government, multi-party politics, greater respect for human rights, reform of constitutions, reduction of poverty, and improved access to education.”  He expressed his belief that people should not depend solely on government, and that through their own initiative and action they can bring about great change.  Highlighting his own example of how he built railroads in Mozambique, Chissano encouraged African governments to also take initiative in order to attract international attention, investment and support.

The two-week Senior Leaders Seminar is a discussion forum in which participants from African countries address issues affecting national and international security, including counterterrorism, civil-military relations, defense economics and democratic governance.  Participants work through plenary and small group discussions facilitated by African, European and American academics and subject matter experts. 

The four modules of the seminar – counterterrorism, security studies, civil-military relations and defense economics – are designed to help participants achieve a comprehensive definition of security, which includes approaches for identifying and addressing problems facing civil and military leaders in Africa; focusing attention on the need for political participation, transparency, and professionalism; identifying key challenges to civil-military relations; and demonstrating how national security goals and democracy are advanced by prudent management of economic resources.  

The Africa Center for Strategic Studies supports U.S. policy in Africa by bringing civilian and military leaders together for informed debate on current security challenges facing Africa and the international community. For more information about the Africa Center, visit www.africacenter.org.