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2018 Post Event Report
Agenda
Tuesday 06 November
Radisson Blu Hotel at Dakar Sea Plaza
17:00 - 19:00
Pre-Event Registration
Event participants may complete registration by collecting their delegate pack & event access pass (business card required).
19:00 - 21:00
Evening Networking Reception
An 'ice-breaker' opportunity for event participants to meet and discuss the two days ahead in a relaxed and informal setting, whilst enjoying snacks and refreshments.
Wednesday 07 November
Radisson Blu Hotel at Dakar Sea Plaza
8:00 - 8:50
Registration & Networking
Event participants may complete registration by collecting their delegate pack & event access pass (business card required) whilst networking and enjoying tea & coffee. Sponsors are asked to setup their exhibition booths from 7am onwards.
8:50 - 9:10
Opening Ceremony
Welcoming remarks, and a look ahead to the two day's talking points, from GRV Global and INTERPOL, the Symposium's Conference Chair.
 
Andrew Dowell, CEO of GRV Global
 
Yves Abadinan Kouassi, Regional Specialized Officer of INTERPOL & CONFERENCE CHAIR
9:10 - 9:25
Opening Keynote Address
 
Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General
UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA)
9:25 - 10:25
Session 1: Border Control and the Blue Economy
Discussing Effectiveness & Monitoring, Delimitation, Coastal Security, and Migration Challenges, Movement & Trade, Piracy, Trafficking, Illegal Fishing, Inter-Agency Communications.
 
Secure borders are the foundation to providing protection to both an economy and its citizens. In recent years, West Africa has become a hub for illegal activity and a gateway for the transit of illicit drugs, with over two-thirds of supply passing through the continent. Looking at country case studies, this session will explore the challenges in protecting Africa’s vast borders and the implications of the current trajectory.
  • Which initiatives have enabled us to restrict the free movement of insurgent groups in the region?
  • What has the recent Boko Haram kidnappings taught us about the region’s level of preparedness?
  • How can we best protect against illegal fishing and harness the blue economy?
9:25 - 9:30 
Panel Chair: Mark Cockfield, Managing Director of Gladius Tactical LLC
 
Colonel Mariko Mamadou, Technical Director of Maritime Organization of West & Central Africa (MOWCA/OMAOC)
 
Moussa Idi, PSSM Expert of UN Regional Centre for Peace & Disarmament in Africa (UNREC)
 
Massimo A. Ramanzin, Project Manager of International Organization for Migration (IOM)
 
Mohamed Sahid Kamara, Director, Protective & Private Security of Office of National Security (ONS); Sierra Leone
 
Daouda Conde, Director of Ministry of Land Administration & Decentralization (MATD); Guinea
10:15 - 10:25
Audience Discussion; Question & Answer Session
10:25 - 10:40
Spotlight Address: U.S. Contracting & the Africa Peacekeeping Program (AFRICAP)
 
Michael Christian, Program Manager for Africa Operations of Relyant Global LLC
10:40 - 11:10
Tea & Coffee Networking Break
11:10 - 12:10
Session 2: Counterterrorism and Law Enforcement
Discussing Strategy & Techniques, Threat Identification & Radicalisation, Intelligence, Control & Emerging Trends, Law Enforcement, the Impact on Tourism, and on the Security Landscape considering Mass Migration, Criminal Networks/Cells, and Trafficking.
 
The prominence of extremist groups in the region has created a breeding ground for fear and instability and continues to challenge traditional prevention methods. Education initiatives and regional collaboration has shown to be essential in curtailing wide spread terrorist activities and influence, but laws have failed to reflect these changes. Frameworks such as the Security Resolution 2396 that encourages communication and collaboration to successfully alert the international community of potential terrorists remain a priority in protecting citizens and identifying future threats.
  • How have laws adapted to keep up with current threats and ensure a coordinated response?
  • Similar to the UN Resolution 2396, what frameworks are in place to establish channels of communication to rapidly extradite and notify of terrorist activities in Western Africa?
  • What efforts are being made to dismantle the financial networks that fund terrorist groups?
11:10 - 11:15 
Panel Chair: Dr. Ayité Marcel Baglo, General Director of Agence Béninoise de Gestion Intégrée des Espaces Frontaliers
 
Philippe Pierre Gaston Prevost, Chief Joint Mission Analysis Center (JMAC) of UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA)
 
Dr. Amaechi Matthew Nwaokolo, Executive Director of Terrorism & Security Research Center, The Roman Institute for International Studies
 
Kanga Ewla Abdoulaye Kouame, Deputy Commander in Chief of CRS4 of Ministry of Interior & Security; Cote d'Ivoire
 
Dr. Faycal Bouzennout, Office of the Commissioner for Peace & Security of African Union Commission (AUC)
12:00 - 12:10
Audience Discussion; Question & Answer Session
12:10 - 13:10
Session 3: Technology Advancements in Communications Intelligence and Cybersecurity
Discussing trends and implications of intelligence collection, cybersecurity & data, system vulnerabilities, smart technologies & surveillance, regulations, threat identification and health security.
 
The technology revolution has streamlined communications and provided a remote layer of defence that continues to offset criminal and terrorist activities. Weak cybersecurity and communications intelligence solutions expose a country and leave them susceptible to attacks that pervades every area of society, from elections to internet access, from the physical to the cyber domain. This panel aims to discuss future communications intelligence and cyber security concepts in the following areas:
  • Centralised vs Decentralised intelligence – which is the preferred method to minimise the damage of future threats?
  • What are the latest innovations in providing comprehensive cyber protection?
  • Artificial Intelligence continues to expand technology capabilities however, what does this potentially mean for future cyber-attacks?
12:10 - 12:15 
Panel Chair: Mickael Khalifa, Director of Sales - Africa of Verint
 
Samir Himri, Reporting Officer of CMPCRD Division, African Union Commission (AUC)
 
Florian Baalcke, Head of Security of Regional Bureau for West Africa (RBD), UN World Food Programme (WFP)
 
Mohamed Sahid Kamara, Director, Protective & Private Security of Office of National Security (ONS); Sierra Leone
 
Brahim Guekou Mohameden, Police Commissioner - Chief of Synthesis, Analysis & Operations of General Directorate for National Security (DGSN); Mauritania
13:00 - 13:10
Audience Discussion; Question & Answer Session
13:10 - 14:30
Networking Lunch Break
14:30 - 17:30
Africa Security Matchmaking Meetings
Afternoon session devoted to 1-2-1 matchmaking meetings between Governments, UN/U.S./international agencies, NGOs, and local, regional & global operators. Schedules are prearranged to provide a unique opportunity to discuss continent-wide security matters and solutions.
19:00 - 22:00
Cultural Dinner - Le Lagon Restaurant
An informal Cultural Dinner welcoming the Official Delegation and all Event attendees; enjoying local food, refreshments and music. An ideal opportunity for further networking and to discuss the day's talking points. Transport will leave the Radisson Hotel Lobby at 7pm for 7:30pm start.
Thursday 08 November
Radisson Blu Hotel at Dakar Sea Plaza
8:30 - 9:00
Registration & Networking
If needed, event participants may complete registration by collecting their delegate pack & event access pass (business card required) whilst networking and enjoying tea & coffee.
9:00 - 9:15
Day Two Welcoming Remarks
A brief overview of day one's major talking points, with a look at the topics of discussion to come.
 
Yves Abadinan Kouassi, Regional Specialized Officer of INTERPOL & CONFERENCE CHAIR
9:15 - 10:15
Session 4: Financing Terrorism - The Prevention & Repression of Financial Crime
The need to identify and dismantle the financial networks that fund terrorist activities requires a level of planning and innovation that goes beyond traditional tactics. With the prolific use of the dark web, terrorist have been able to retain a level of anonymity that continues to allude financial forces. This poses the question on what can be done to effectively monitor and stop the funding of terrorism.
  • What initiatives can governments take to better protect against financial fraud?
  • With the rise of the online black market, what can be predicted about the future of terrorist funding?
  • How has the rise in cryptocurrency aided the funding of nefarious activity?
  • What can be done to regulate this relatively new system?
9:15 - 9:20 
Panel Chair: Travis Heneveld, Director - United Nations & International Accounts of Motorola Solutions
 
Marimpa Samoura, President of National Cell of Financial Information Processing of Mali (CENTIF)
 
Colonel Modibo Issa Georges Keita, Chief of Brigade of Specialized Investigations Brigade - Ministry of Justice; Mali
 
Colonel Djadji Georges Ette, Commander - 3rd Legion of Territorial Gendarmerie (Bouaké) of National Gendarmerie (MoD); Cote d'Ivoire
 
Martin Lavahun, Deputy Director-General of Central Intelligence & Security Unit (CISU); Sierra Leone
10:05 - 10:15
Audience Discussion; Question & Answer Session
10:15 - 10:30
Spotlight Address: The Peace & Security Mandate of UNOWAS - Prospects & Challenges
 
Dr. Kwaku Asante-Darko, Political Affairs Officer of UN Office for West Africa & the Sahel (UNOWAS)
10:30 - 11:00
Tea & Coffee Networking Break
11:00 - 12:00
Session 5: Detection and Identification – Neutralising the Threat
Discussing Technology Innovation, Demilitarisation, Route Clearance, Building Protection, Future Risks, IEDs and Centralised Systems.
 
The potential for undetonated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to be recycled for future terrorist attacks, creates a perpetual threat within communities. In 2018 alone, Mali suffered over 25 IED incidents from January to April with multiple deaths reported throughout the continent. An increase in technology innovation has played a key role in limiting these instances as thermal technology, GPR sensors and scanners simplify the identification and disposal process.
11:00 - 11:05 
Panel Chair: Dr. Luthando Prinsloo, Director Business Development Africa of Airborne Technologies GmbH
 
Makhlouf Ait-Kheddache, Senior Fire & Physical Security Officer of African Development Bank (AfDB)
 
Koos Joubert, Technical Advisor of Engineering, DCD Protected Mobility
 
Joel Fournet, Africa Security Advisor of UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS)
 
Lt Col Codjo Saturnin Obelakou, Director of CPADD (Demining and Clearance Training Center)
11:50 - 12:00
Audience Discussion; Question & Answer Session
12:00 - 13:15
Session 6: Peace Support Operations (PSOs) and Community Building
Discussing Humanitarian Operations, Mitigating Risk, Training & Diversity, Youth Empowerment, Strengthening Local Assets, Regional Collaborations.
 
Weak security protocols, permeate to all aspects of society, including the youth, whom are often the most vulnerable and susceptible to radicalisation. Programmes that encourage youth empowerment and community building are fundamental to terrorist prevention and help to increase stability within the region.
  • How can we create change and opportunity to create an inclusive society? 
  • How does your organisation support the security agenda? 
  • Public safety is at the heart of the security agenda. How could communities keep safe and prevent future radicalisation?
12:00 - 12:05 
Panel Chair: Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General  of UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA)
 
Judd Devermont, Director - Africa Program of Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
 
Timothy Lannan, Policy Advisor for Africa of Operations Division, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)
 
Alisa Cameron, Deputy Mission Director for the Sahel of USAID Senegal
 
Benjamin York, Regional Security Director of World Vision International
13:05 - 13:15
Audience Discussion; Question & Answer Session
13:15 - 13:30
Closing Ceremony
 
Yves Abadinan Kouassi, Regional Specialized Officer of INTERPOL & CONFERENCE CHAIR
 
Andrew Dowell, CEO of GRV Global
13:30 - 14:30
Networking Lunch Break
14:30 - 17:30
Africa Security Matchmaking Meetings
Afternoon session devoted to 1-2-1 matchmaking meetings between Governments, UN/U.S./international agencies, NGOs, and local, regional & global operators. Schedules are prearranged to provide a unique opportunity to discuss continent-wide security matters and solutions.