Policymakers, academicians, scholars, and other eminent officials from Africa and beyond, will focus their expertise to discuss and explore the theme; "fostering good governance for peace and security in Africa."

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, while officially opening the symposium, said that it reflects a meaningful and practical manner on the impact of governance on peoples’ peace and security especially in Africa, a conflict-torn continent for decades.

He added that in Africa, as in any other continent, the quality and characteristics of governance influence the level of peace and stability and the prospects for socio-economic development.

"Most recurrent conflicts in Africa, if not all, are associated with governance shortfalls characterized, for instance, by failure to recognize and manage diversity, which leads to exclusion or marginalization of a section of the population resulting into structural violence, insurgency, violent extremism or terrorism," Minister Ugirashebuja said.

Other causes, he added, include divisive politics, unequal distribution of scarce resources, marginalization, political patronage, foreign political influences, external interferences founded on shared colonial past, among others.

"Undeniably, there is no magic wand that can be used to prevent or address all the shortfalls and the resulting disastrous consequences other than promoting inclusive, patriotic, pro-citizen, accountable, transparent and human security-oriented governance," the Minister emphasized.

The symposium, he said, is well grounded and will lay foundation on how to foster governance in respective countries as a prerequisite for sustainable peace and security as it provides an opportunity for participants to learn from practical examples of countries where governance has played a dual impact on peace and security.

"The Good news is, we are our own best hope. The ongoing efforts spearheaded by the National Police College to shape and improve the institution of Police through learning from each other are impressive."

The event was also graced by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Munyuza; Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Mubarak Muganga, RIB Secretary General, Col (rtd) Jeannot Ruhunga, Deputy IGP in charge of Administration and Personnel Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza, among others.

The NPC Commandant, Commissioner of Police (CP) Rafiki Mujiji said that the symposium, which is part of the one-year Police Senior Command and Staff Course, broadens the understanding of regional police students to expand their analytical capacity beyond class lectures, library readings and internal and external study tours.

The 10th PSCSC brought together senior Police students from eight African countries, namely; Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, and Rwanda.

Panelists

Key speakers from Rwanda, USA, South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, Senegal, Kenya and Tanzania will explore key areas of governance, peace and security.

Panelists on Day One of the symposium will look at good governance as a critical factor for peace and stability in Africa; and governance and conflicts in Africa—internal and external drivers.

Experts on Day Two will discuss on media and governance in contemporary Africa, opportunities and challenges; and rethinking peaceful and secure Africa—good governance in perspective.

The ninth-edition of the two-day symposium on peace, security and justice started on Wednesday 6th July 2022.

Panelists speaking at the official opening of the symposium.