It was a great honour and privilege to have
been invited to Copenhagen, Denmark, to address interested parties and Masters-level
students at the Royal Danish Defence College (RDDC) on “New Wars”.
Whereas my contribution to the seminar and the subsequent debate
as well as the lectures on New Wars was miniscule at best, it was heartening to see the
interest shown by those I engaged with regarding the many conflicts we
experience – and will continue to experience – in Africa.
The visit to the RDDC also allowed us to
discuss numerous issues such as politics in Africa, the development of conflict
and war, why governments fail, the scourge of poaching and where they think
Africa is possibly going wrong.
We also discussed issues such as the threats
facing Africa, the role of foreign powers, the UN and PMCs and why many if not
most of these interventions fail or deliver very little results – in many
instances only escalating the already-existing tensions and conflicts.
These discussions made me realize that the
intent of those I spoke with at the RDDC have a genuine desire to see an
improvement in Africa’s lot. To Africa, that can only be good.
My sincerest thanks to the Royal Danish
Defence College as well as everyone who partook in our discussions and in
particular to Professors Thomas Mandrup and Stig Jenson for the friendship and the opportunity
given to me.
4 comments:
You traveled to Scandinavia and didn't call me? Shame on you!
HaHa Jake! I knew you were very busy and my schedule was a bit busy as well. I plan to travel north sometime in the near future and will check your availability.
It was never intended to be seen as ignoring you...
Rgds,
Eeben
Hello, Eeben! Big fan of your blog here. I'm also the Editor of a Nigerian newspaper and I'd love to interview you if you're OK with that. You can e-mail me at: abdulkareem@dailytrust.com
Thanks!
Many thanks Abdul.
I recently read the article (http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/weekly/index.php/top-stories/20508-how-south-africans-trained-nigerian-military-to-fight-boko-haram) on your website and must compliment you on the objectivity of it. It is the most objective piece I have read in the mainstream media and thankfully, it was not aimed at trying to belittle the Nigerian Army who have taken the casualties and despite many challenges, have continued with their missions.
I am currently preparing to leave the country for a few days so will not be able to take questions from you at this stage. However, would not our colleagues in the Nigerian Army be better suited to answer any questions you may have?
Regardless, please contact me again in 2 weeks’ time and I will respond to you via email.
Rgds,
Eeben
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