The Role of the Board
The Board of the Tana Forum provides both strategic oversights on the Forum as an institution and decides on each Forum‘s broad agenda and participation. It is comprised of eminent African personalities who have demonstrated leadership, inspiration and experience in their fields of endeavour. The membership of the Board shall demonstrate regional, gender, intergenerational and cross-sectoral representation.
Given its key role, it is important that the Board be technically and politically sound to ensure a holistic and integrated leadership of the Tana Forum. In this regard, a number of the members have practical experiences in addressing peace and security issues, namely former Presidents John Dramani Mahama of Ghana and President Joyce Banda of Malawi. These personalities have political and practical experience in conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction at national or regional levels and will be able, through their networks in Africa and globally, to steer the Forum in the right direction.
As already acknowledged by the African Union, peace and security have gendered implications. It is therefore critical that the Tana Forum Board be guided by input from people who support and promote gender dimensions and balance. Members such as Ambassador Soad M. Shalaby will be able to keep the direction of the Tana Forum grounded in grassroots/community realities based on their experiences and research in the area of peace of security, as highlighted by the Tripoli Declaration (2010).
H.E. Lassina Zerbo, a Burkinabé statesman and former Prime Minister, brings invaluable expertise to the Tana Forum Board, particularly international security as the former Executive Secretary of CTBTO. With his renowned speaking skills and deep understanding of socio-political issues in Africa, Prof. Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba can bring immense value to the Tana Forum board through his extensive knowledge, experience in various fields, including law, governance, and African affairs. Another crucial aspect for the Tana Forum is the inclusion of individuals with extensive diplomatic expertise. Career diplomat H.E. Amb. Tekeda Alemu will remain a valuable asset to the Forum, bringing his wealth of experience.