Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, 4 May 2019 – The eighth Tana Forum High-Level Forum on Security in Africa gathered over 200 participants to discuss the theme “Political Dynamics in the Horn of Africa: Nurturing the Emerging Peace Trends”. The 2-day Forum attracted experts and officials from across the continent, including Ethiopian President H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde; four former Heads of State from Ghana, Malawi, South Africa and Central African Republic; African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat; and several ministers from Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia.
President Sahle-Work, a frequent participant at the annual Tana Forum, made her first address to the participants since entering office in October 2018. In her remarks, she described the region as having “entered a new area of multilateralism for peace and security”. She also noted that the challenges in the future will require a better understanding of the region.
In his keynote address, Mahamat noted the African Union’s efforts over the years to normalize relations and promote good neighbourliness, enhance peace and stability, and advance regional integration on the continent. He also commended the leaders of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia for their commitment to the higher interests of their people and the region as a whole.
The Forum commenced on 3 May with a series of side events related to the theme of the year and organized in partnership with Bahir Dar University, the African Union, the Munich Security Conference, the United Nations, the European Union and the United States Institute of Peace. These activities are organized annually to expand the reach of the Forum discussions and ensure inclusion of a diverse array of stakeholders.
About Tana Forum High-Level Forum on Security in Africa
The Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa is an annual meeting that brings together African leaders and stakeholders to engage and explore African-led security solutions. The Tana Forum promotes African-led solutions by holding discussions on the strategic and proactive management of African peace and security issues driven by the interest to contribute to stronger ownership of these issues.
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