PNYX - Africa Security Symposium 2025

collaborate

Overview

Chair

Agenda

Speakers

Sponsors

ASEC2024 Post-Event Report & Video

Conference Chair

Air Cdre David Anetey AKRONG
Ag. Commandant
KAIPTC - Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Centre

Air Commodore David Anetey AKRONG is the Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) and a seasoned Ghanaian Air Force fighter pilot with over 30 years of experience in aviation, military, and peacekeeping operations. He previously served as Deputy Commandant of KAIPTC, leading initiatives on Women, Peace, and Security, and youth-focused peacebuilding programs. He also worked with the African Union Peace and Security Department as an aviation planner, providing strategic leadership for the African Standby Force. Notably, he helped review the ASF Strategic Lift Concept and supported AU missions, including in Somalia. Air Commodore AKRONG holds advanced degrees in military studies, logistics, and corporate strategy. His UN peacekeeping experience spans Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Western Sahara. A strong advocate for inclusive peacebuilding, he brings deep expertise in strategic operations, policy development, and international collaboration to his role at KAIPTC. He is married with two children and enjoys playing golf and motor biking.

Keynote Speakers

H.E. Amb. Bankole ADEOYE
Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace & Security (PAPS)
African Union Commission (AUC)

Ambassador Bankole ADEOYE is a Pan-African Career Diplomat with over 3 and half decades of experience. A strong advocate of Africa’s regional integration and inclusive partnerships, Amb. ADEOYE builds synergy across Africa for good governance, durable champions the peace, security and sustainable development. Amb. ADEOYE assumed office as the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace & Security on 15th March 2021, having previously served as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the AU and UNECA, and Ambassador to Ethiopia with concurrent accreditation to Djibouti from 2017 to 2020. From 2007 to 2015 on secondment to NEPAD Agency HQ, he held the strategic positions of Chief of Staff to the Chief Executive Officer, Coordinator of Partnerships & External Relations, and as Director of Corporate Services. Also, Bankole ADEOYE served as Director (Second UN) in the International Organizations Department of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Overall, his wealth of diplomatic experience spanned postings to Cairo (Egypt); Brasília (Brazil); Pretoria & Midrand in NEPAD HQ (South Africa) and Addis Ababa (Ethiopia).

Ambassador ADEOYE’s core areas of specialization include the nexus between good governance, peace, security and sustainable development. He is an avid promoter of concerted actions for the implementation of the African Peace & Security Architecture (APSA) and African Governance Architecture (AGA) as well as the APRM. Bankole ADEOYE is a generative force for inspiring change in Africa to actualize the AU Agenda 2063 - the Africa We Want, and the shared values of Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance. He is a proponent of rights-based approach to enshrine peace and stability, premised on African Solutions to African Problems.

Maj Gen Mohsen Salem Askar SALEH
Military Advisor to the President of the STC
Yemen Southern Transitional Council (STC)

Major General Mohsen Salem Askar SALEH serves as the Military Advisor to the President of the Yemeni Southern Transitional Council (STC), and has been in military service since 1 May, 1970. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from Military College and a Master's Degree from Military Academy. His previous roles include: Battery Commander, Air Defense; Chief of Staff and Battalion Commander, Air Defense; Brigade Commander, Air Defense; Advisor to the Minister of Defense; Deputy Supreme Commander of the Southern Resistance Forces; and most recently, Advisor to the President of the Southern Transitional Council for Military Affairs. During Maj Gen SALEH’s service, he has been awarded the Faithfulness Medal, the Combat Excellence Medal, four Military Service Medals, and the Youth Union Medal.

Leonardo Santos SIMÃO
SRSG (Sp. Representative for West Africa & the Sahel),CNMC | Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission
UNOWAS - UN Office for West Africa & the Sahel

Mr. Leonardo Santos SIMÃO was appointed Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) on 2 May 2023. In that capacity, he also serves as Chairman of the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission (CNMC), established in November 2002 to oversee implementation of the decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the maritime and land boundary dispute between Cameroon and Nigeria. Mr. SIMÃO has more than 30 years of experience in public administration, international affairs, diplomacy, and mediation.

From 2005 to 2023, he served as the Executive Director of the Joaquim Chissano Foundation (Mozambique), during which he oversaw the foundation’s peace, social and economic development initiatives. From 2021 to 2022, he served as Special Envoy for the Government of Mozambique tasked with promoting Mozambique’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council. From 2009 to 2014, he was the Chairman of the Peace Mediation Technical Team for Madagascar of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), supporting the Community’s efforts to restore political stability, consolidate democracy and strengthen economic growth in the country. Mr. SIMÃO served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Mozambique from 1994 to 2005. Prior to that, he was the country’s Minister of Health from 1988 to 1994.

Rachel EKLOU-ASSOGBAVI
Political Advisor,Department of Peace Operations
UN Office of Military Affairs (OMA)

Rachel EKLOU-ASSOGBAVI is a seasoned professional with over 23 years of experience in conflict prevention, resolution, and political affairs within the United Nations (UN) system. She has a robust background in strategic and operational planning, policy development, and advising senior officials. Her career has been marked by significant contributions to peace and security efforts, particularly in the Great Lakes and Southern African regions. Since June 2024, she has served as Political Advisor in the Office of Military Affairs, at the UN Department of Peace Operations. Before this, she was the Deputy Director of the Western Africa Division, overseeing the support to the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) at the UN Headquarters. She was a Senior Political Affairs Officer overseeing the support of the UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and of the UN Integrated Office in Burundi (BINUB). In addition, Ms. EKLOU-ASSOGBAVI served in the UN Office to the African Union from 2011 to 2012, in the UN Organisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) from 2004 to 2007, and in the UN Mission in Sierra Leone from 2001 to 2003. She has also worked as a correspondent for the British Broadcasting Corporation in New York, USA (1999-2001).

Mark HAWKINS
Senior Humanitarian Technology Advisor
IEC Telecom Group

Mark has over 25 years’ experience in delivering telecoms, IT and renewable energy for the humanitarian sector. In his previous roles at Save the Children International and Merlin, Mark has deployed to many disasters around the world including DRC, Sierra Leone, Myanmar, Indonesia and Haiti. During these responses, Mark was able to set up radio and satellite telecommunications and networks. Working with local staff, he was able to train people at the same time as setting up technologies. In addition to leading disaster response, Mark launched the Disaster Response Training programme for Save the Children and also facilitated sessions on training programmes led by UNICEF, NetHope and The Emergency Telecommunications Cluster. Mark joined the Humanitarian Team at IEC Telecom Group as the Senior Humanitarian Technology Consultant and advises the IEC team on technologies which can have a positive impact for communities in the Global South. IEC Telecom Group is an international satellite service operator with 25+ years in the industry. Long-standing partnerships with all the major satellite operators as well as a wide distribution network allow IEC Telecom to provide connectivity and enable digitalisation for maritime and remote land operations across the globe.

Dr. Girum Hailu MAHETEME
Senior Policy & Partnership Specialist
IGAD Health Emergency Preparedness, Response & Resilience Multi-phase Programmatic Approach (IGAD HEPRR- MPA)

Dr. Girum Hailu holds a Medical Doctorate Degree from Jimma University, in Ethiopia and a Master's in Public Health from Free University of Brussels (ULB), in Belgium. Dr. Girum Hailu MAHETEME has been serving as the managing Director of Future International Consulting (FIC) in Ethiopia, for more than sixteen years, where he oversees various research programs, consulting and training services in areas of Health, Population and Nutrition (HPN). In addition to providing consulting services to organizations such as JICA, Pathfinder International, UNICEF, UNAIDS, UNFPA, World Bank, DFID, he has organized and participated in various national and international conferences, seminars and trainings related to improving health care and prevention of tropical diseases and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Dr. Girum Hailu MAHETEME is currently serving as a senior Advisor for IGAD health and social development program: working as IGAD Coordinator for regional Cancer Initiative, IGAD National Coordinator for COVID-19 Response from Ethiopia, with full passion and dedication, with full commitment in all fronts of Regional Medicines Regulation and the Fight against Cancer in the IGAD region.

Workshop Hosts

Brig Gen Richard Edukwesi WOANYA
Defence Advisor
Embassy of the Republic of Ghana to Ethiopia & Perm. Mission to the AU & UNECA

Brigadier General Richard Edukwesi WOANYA is Defence Advisor Ghana to Ethiopia, the AU, UNECA & All East Africa. His home appointments include: Chief Instructor Joint Studies - Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College Accra; Chief Coordinator, Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) Accra; Directing Staff - Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College - Senior Division, Accra; and Chief Training Officer - Ghana Military Academy. His international appointments include: Team Leader - UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO); Military Chief Training Officer, Integrated Mission Training Centre (IMTC), UN Operation in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI); Military Observer - UN Operation in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI); Platoon Commander (UNIFIL GHANBATT 40; Company Second-in-Command (UNIFIL GHANBATT 50) & Company Commander (UNIFIL GHANBATT 56) with UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL); and Platoon Commander, ECOMOG GHANBAT 7.

Speakers

Brig Gen (Ret.) Chris GILDENHUYS (Panel Chair)
Head of Business Development
OTT Technologies (Pty) Ltd.

Brigadier General (Ret) Chris GILDENHUYS is the Head of Business Development at OTT Technologies, a leading South African defence company within the OTT Group. With a military career spanning just over 40 years, he held command of a combat team, an armoured car and reconnaissance regiment, the School of Armour, and the SA Army Armour Formation. He also served as South Africa’s Defence Attaché in Washington, D.C., and as Director of Operations in the Joint Operations Division of the South African National Defence Force. He is a graduate of the South African National Defence College and the University of Stellenbosch Business School.

Africa APOLLO
Head Reg. Bureau Nairobi and CEO of EAPCCO
INTERPOL Regional Bureau for Eastern Africa

Africa APOLLO is a Rwandan senior police officer seconded to Interpol. He has been a police officer since June 2000. During his career, he has held various positions within the Rwanda National Police as, a criminal intelligence analyst, an investigator, a trainer, and a Deputy Commissioner for the anti-Organized Crime as well as Public Relations Departments. Africa has also worked in two United Nations Peacekeeping missions in Liberia (2009-2010) and in South Sudan (2013-2014). He has various academic credentials including a master’s degree in Security Studies from the University of Rwanda; and a graduate of a Military Senior Command and Staff Course from Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College. Africa serves as the Head of Interpol Regional Bureau, and Chief Executive Officer of the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Organisation (EAPCCO) based in Nairobi, Kenya since January 2024.

Bruno Isohi SHIOSO
Director General
Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS)

Mr. Bruno Isohi SHIOSO, EBS, OGW, is a Law enforcement practitioner with 36 years of service. He has a progressive law enforcement career, rising through the ranks to Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police prior to his current assignment. He has served various deployments across policing spectrum, straddling general policing and law enforcement security provision, served as a criminal court prosecutor, financial and white collar crime major case investigations expert, including transnational organized crimes investigations within the Directorate of Criminal Investigation and the banking fraud investigation unit of the Central Bank of Kenya, amongst other thematic areas related to organised crimes. Mr. SHIOSO has held other senior deployments within the National Police Service, including Chief County Criminal Investigation, Director Corporate Communications (Police spokesperson) and Commandant National Police College Main Campus. He has also served on secondment to the United Nations Police, New York as the transnational organised crime expert where he doubled up as the Transnational Threats (TNT) project manager and team lead/coordinator of the Serious and Organized Crime (SOC) team.

Maj Gen Godwin Michael MUTKUT
Force Commander
Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF)

Major General Godwin Michael MUTKUT hails from Plateau State, Nigeria. He is a member of 41 Regular Course. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in September 1994. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and a Master's degree in Strategic Studies, and has attended several military courses, including the Young Officers' Course (Infantry), Armored Personnel Carrier Platoon Commanders' Course, Junior and Senior Staff Courses among others. Maj Gen MUTKUT was a Commander 7 Brigade MNJTF, General Officer commanding 8 Division/ FC Joint Task Force (North West) Operation HADARIN DAJI and Sector 3 MNJTF/Operation Hadin Kai and currently FC MNJTF. General MUTKUT has received numerous honours and awards, including Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic, Meritorious Service Star, and Distinguished Service Star among others.

Dr. Moses Thabo Katjisa NKHOMA
Deputy Assistant Commisioner
BMA - Border Management Authority of South Africa

Dr. Thabo NKHOMA (PhD) is a Deputy Assistant Commissioner in the Border Management Authority (BMA) responsible for regional port of entry operations and border law enforcement. Before joining the Border Management Authority in April 2023, he served in the South Africa National Defence Force (SANDF) as a Commissioned Officer for a period of 8 years; and the Department of Home Affairs, Immigration Services as Manager Immigration Services for 12 years. Dr. NKHOMA holds a PhD in Management Sciences and various qualifications in Security Studies and Management. His research focus areas are in border security; corruption; and border security technology.

Dr. Dario LUINETTI (Panel Chair)
Director
SIO SpA - SIO Intelligence Operations

With over 20 years in governmental security, including 10+ years at Leonardo, Dario now leads international sales at SIO Intelligence Operations. He specialises in AI-driven tactical surveillance, lawful interception, and cyber intelligence to support counterterrorism efforts worldwide. Holding a Master’s in International Counter-Terrorism, Dario brings deep expertise in developing tailored solutions for complex investigations. A regular speaker at ISS and Milipol, he shares practical insights and fosters collaboration among law enforcement and military agencies. Passionate about geopolitics and civil protection, Dario is dedicated to enhancing global security through innovative technology and strategic partnerships.

Maj Gen Gold Uhuoma CHIBUISI
Chief of Civil Military Affairs
Nigerian Army; Nigeria Armed Forces

Major General Gold Uhuoma CHIBUISI is a seasoned Army General from the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps. He is a member of 40th Regular Course from the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna. He has attended numerous courses and decorated with several honours and awards; amongst which are Distinguished Service Star, passed staff course (Dagger), Fellow National Defence University (China), Field Command Medal and Field Command Medal of Honour. He is currently the Chief of Civil - Military Affairs at the Headquarters Nigerian Army. Previous appointments held in his illustrious career include; Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji Nigeria, Commander 1 Division Garrison Kaduna, Commander 19 Brigade Baga (in the North East of Nigeria), General Officer Commanding 2 Division Nigerian Army in Ibadan South West Nigeria, Force Commander Multinational Joint Task Force Njamena Chad and Theatre Commander Operation HADIN KAI, where he contributed creditably towards the counter terrorism/insurgency efforts in North East Nigeria. His posting before his appointment as the Chief of Civil - Military Affairs was as a Senior Resource Fellow at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja – Nigeria, where he contributed immensely in proffering strategies and solutions in addressing contemporary and future challenges for the Nigerian Army.

Maj Gen Keith KATUNGI KUKUNDA
Commander 5 Infantry Division
Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF)

Maj Gen Keith KATUNGI KUKUNDA currently serves the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) as Commander 5 Infantry Division, a role he has held since May 2023. His previous roles include Ag. Force Commander ATMIS (African Union Transition Mission in Somalia) Military Component (Oct 2022 – Dec 2022), Uganda Contingent Comd AMISOM/ATMIS (African Union Mission in Somalia, Dec 2021 – Dec 2022), Commandant Military Police Brigade (Aug 2020 – Dec 2021), Brigade Commander 222 MTN Bde (Aug 2019 – Aug 2020), Brigade Commander 309 Bde (Jul 2017 - Aug 2019), Commander United Nations Guard Unit (UNGU III) in Somalia (Feb 2016 – Jul 2017) among other roles. He holds a Masters of Strategic Studies, United States Army War College – Carlisle, Pennsylvania, having also previously been awarded the ATMIS Medal, Independence Medal, UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) Medal, and the AMISOM Medal.

Osita NWANKWO
Country Security Manager
World Vision Ethiopia

Osita NWANKWO is a seasoned security and safety expert with over 25 years of experience in the safety and security industry, starting with an accomplished military service. He currently leads World Vision Ethiopia safety and security department where he has successfully managed the safety and security of over 2000 staff of the organization who work in all the regions of the country. He has also significantly increased the security quotient of the staff and entrenched an enduring security culture. Osita holds 3 masters degrees and currently concluding a PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies. His expertise includes security operations planning, security risk assessment, security risk rating and comprehensive risk and threat analysis. In his free time Osita enjoys traveling and listening to good music.

Lorenzo GIOMBINI (Panel Chair)
Managing Director
Rakia

As Managing Director of RAKIA, Lorenzo leads a global provider of Smart Data Platforms designed to simplify intelligence complexity for law enforcement agencies. With a background spanning physical security, cyber security, web reputation, and cyber intelligence, Lorenzo focuses on building technologies that enhance - rather than replace - human capabilities. Lorenzo began his journey at RAKIA as Business Development Manager, taking leadership within two years. His experience as a management consultant and in international investment enables a 360° view of operational challenges, always placing the end-user at the center. His mission: empower agencies with actionable, human-centric intelligence in an increasingly complex digital world.

Chief Police Comm. Alain Adonis RAFALIMANANA
Director
Madagascar National Police; Ministry of Public Security

Mr. Alain Adonis RAFALIMANANA, Chief Police Commissioner, currently serves as Regional Director of Public Security for the Bongolava region. Originally from the Analamanga region, married and father of four children, he has served the Malagasy National Police for 30 years with dedication. A graduate of the ENIAP in Antsirabe and the ENSP in Ivato, Mr. RAFALIMANANA also completed advanced training courses in the United States (2000) and at ILEA in Gaborone, Botswana (2015). Throughout his career, he has always respected and promoted the fundamental values of the National Police: discipline, integrity, loyalty, neutrality and respect for human rights. He aspires, with conviction, to reinforce these principles in the daily exercise of our missions. Mr. RAFALIMANANA’s objective is clear: to restore and consolidate the confidence of the population towards the National Police, placing security, ethics and public service at the heart of their commitment.

AIG Olaolu ADEGBITE
Head INTERPOL National Central Bureau
Nigeria Police Force

AIG Olaolu ADEGBITE is a veteran law enforcement officer who currently serves as the Assistant Inspector General of Police/Head, INTERPOL National Central Bureau Abuja. He previously served as Director of Operations Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Commissioner of Police - Central Criminal Records Registry FCID Annex Lagos, Deputy Commissioner of Police - Force Intelligence Bureau Abuja, amongst others. He has a number of publications to his credit including: Nigerian Advance Fee Fraud Scams: Perception and Reality - Australian Police Journal, September 2009 and Fraud and Counterfeiting in Nigeria, International Organized Crime: The African Experience - ISPAC edited by John T. Picarelli, November 2011. In recognition of his diligence and professionalism in unearthing economic and financial crimes, he was conferred with the national honor of Member, Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria - MFR (2010/2011). He is a member of FBI National Academy Associates (African-Middle East Chapter).

COP Dr. Sayibu GARIBA
Director-General - Technical
Ghana Police Service

Dr. Sayibu Pabi GARIBA, a Commissioner of Police (COP) of the Ghana Police Service (GPS) with over 33 years of dedicated Service, has served in various capacities and occupied varying command positions across board within the GPS. Amongst others, his key appointments include: Regional Commander, Accra Region (2022 to 2023); Regional Commander, Upper East Region (2021 to 2022); Director of Operations, National Headquarters, Acca (2018 – 2021); Commandant, Ghana Police Command and Staff College (GPCSC), Winneba, Central Region, Ghana – 2017; and Deputy Regional Commander (Second-In-Command) Upper West Region – 2016 to 2017. COP (Dr.) SP GARIBA possesses an enviable international exposure and practical experiences within the context of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), particularly Peace Support Operations Division (PSOD) at the African Union Commission (AUC) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia as the first Police Training Officer of the African Standby Force (ASF) from 2008 to 2015. Before his deployment to the AUC, he served with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) as the Deputy Chief of UNMIK Police Inspection/Audit Unit at the Main Headquarters (MHQ) in Pristina, Kosovo from 2002 to 2003.

Aisha O'REILLY (Panel Chair)
North Africa Project Manager, Weapons & Ammunition Management
The HALO Trust

Aisha has worked on Security Sector Reform, Humanitarian Mine Action, and Weapons and Ammunition Management (WAM) in Cambodia, Colombia, Afghanistan, parts of Europe, and multiple countries across the African continent. She currently manages the development and delivery of The HALO Trust WAM projects in the North Africa region. Operationally trained in humanitarian mine clearance, weapons and ammunition lifecycle management, explosives threat mitigation, and explosives ordnance disposal, she holds a Bachelor's degree in Law & French and a Master's degree in Gender, Conflict & Human Rights Law.

LTCol Andre SCHOOFS
Senior Military Advisor for Peace & Security
EU Delegation to the AU

LTCol Andre SCHOOFS joined the German Armed Forces in 1987. He holds a masters degree in Economics, and has served 30 years in different national as well as NATO and EU assignments and missions. From 2016 until 2020, still as an active officer, he served at the German Ministry for Foreign Affairs focussing on Peace and Security in Africa. After that he served as Head of the German Military Aid Program to Ethiopia from 2020 until 2022. Since 2022, in his current position, Andre has served as Senior Military Advisor on Peace and Security at the EU Delegation to the African Union.

Guy BENNETT
Chief of Political Affairs
UNMISS - UN Mission in South Sudan

Guy served twenty years in the British Army in various capacities, including a tour as Deputy Military and Police Adviser in the United Kingdom Mission to the United Nations. He has global operational experience and a technical background. Upon leaving The Army he went into business, working in Digital Transformation provision. In 2013, he joined the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, subsequently serving as Chief Joint Mission Analysis Centre, Principal Adviser to the Special Representative of the Secretary General and Chief of the Political Affairs Division.

Brig Gen (Rtd) Paul Kahuria NJEMA
Director
EASF - Eastern Africa Standby Force

Brigadier (Rtd) Paul Kahuria NJEMA, EBS, ‘ndc’ (Tz), ‘psc’ (K), is the current Director, Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) Secretariat. He is a national of the Republic of Kenya, which is one of the ten (10) EASF Member States. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Disaster Management and International Diplomacy and in the final stage of a Master in International Relations from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Diploma in Security and Strategic studies from National Defence College of Tanzania and Diploma in Strategic Studies from Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies, University of Nairobi. Brig (Rtd) NJEMA has held several key leadership positions among them, Commandant School of Infantry, Commandant Recruits Training School, a principle staff officer in charge of personnel at the Defence Headquarters, and a Commander Infantry Brigade. He has experience of 39 years in service with Kenya Defence forces. He has also served in Peace Support Operations in former Yugoslavia (UNPROFOR), Sudan (AMIS) and Somalia (AMISOM), a cumulative period of 63 months. He was a member of the African Union Technical Committee that reviewed the Peace Support Operation Standing Orders that was done in 2019 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Brig. Gen. Telenkako BANDA
Commandant,Kenneth Kaunda Peace Training Centre (KKPTC)
Zambia Army

Brigadier General Telenkako BANDA is the current Commandant of the Kenneth Kaunda Peace Training Centre (KKPTC) in Zambia. During his thirty (30) years of service, he has participated in several local operations and has been a member of UN battalion contingents twice, a Military Observer (MILOBs) once and Military Staff Officer (MSO) once. He holds a Diploma in Defence and Security Studies (Dip DSS) from the University of Zambia (UNZA) obtained in 2017, a Diploma in International Studies (Dip Int’l Studies) from the University of Nairobi (UoN) obtained in 2019, and a Masters of Arts in Defence and Security Studies (MA DSS) obtained (UNZA) in 2021. On the peacekeeping front, he has completed an Integrated Mission Operational Commanders Course (IMOC) at RPTC – Zimbabwe and several online courses with UNITAR-POCI. He also attended National Defence College (NDC) in Kenya in 2018/2019.

Peter WOOD (Panel Chair)
Chief Regional Security Officer
African Development Bank (AFDB)

Peter WOOD is the Chief Regional Security Officer for the African Development Bank and is currently living here in Nairobi with a thematic oversight of East Africa. He was previously Director of Safety and Security at Open Briefing, working with high-impact nonprofits and foundations and vulnerable individuals in rights advocacy. Additionally, he was also previously the Head of Global Security for Oxfam, where he led a renewed focus on duty of care and managed the organisation’s response to several crisis incidents. Having previously lived and worked in DR Congo and Jordan, he has an in-depth knowledge of both East Africa and the Middle East with regards to current and ongoing security operations. As a former Captain in the British Army, Peter has over 22 years’ experience in the security sector both from a military and humanitarian view-point and has completed operational tours of Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan in roles ranging from peace support, close protection to providing support to the USMC and Estonian Army in Helmand province.

Dr. Hameed NURU
Director and Representative to the AU and ECA
WFP - UN World Food Programme

Dr. Hameed NURU is the Director of WFP’s African Union Global Office and Representative to the AU and UNECA, having assumed his duties in Addis Ababa from 27 April 2021. Prior to his current appointment, Dr. NURU was Representative and Country Director of WFP Sudan from 2019 to 2020, and Representative and Country Director of India from 2015 to 2019. Preceding with Global Alliance Livestock Veterinary Medicines (GALVmed) from 2009 - 2014. As the Senior Director Policy & External Affairs, he has vast experience in the areas of policy, advocacy, partnerships and communications. Overseeing a global portfolio as the spokesperson of GALVmed, he also managed the Africa and India offices. Dr. NURU was responsible for driving the overall GALVmed strategy and positioning the organization globally. From 2006 – 2008, he worked with the African Union - Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (IBAR) based out of Nairobi, Kenya. A veterinarian by training, he has also worked as the Principal Veterinary Officer for the Government of Botswana, Department of Veterinary Services, on livestock disease control. He however started his work life as a university academic in Africa and the U.K.

Hillary Muchiri KIBORO
Deputy Head of Delegation to the AU & Legal Advisor
ICRC - International Committee of the Red Cross

Hillary Muchiri KIBORO is an accomplished legal advisor with extensive experience in international humanitarian law (IHL) and wider public international law. He currently serves as the Deputy Head of Delegation and Legal Advisor at the ICRC Delegation to the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Hillary’s career spans about 15 years during which time he has held various roles within the ICRC, including global Legal Trainer for ICRC legal teams, Regional Legal Advisor for East Africa; and Legal Advisor for ICRC in Nairobi, Kenya and Pretoria South Africa. In these positions, Hillary has been involved in conceptualization and implementation of programmes to promote IHL, undertaking legal research, and supporting advocacy efforts. Prior to joining the ICRC, Hillary worked for 3 years in private legal practice, providing legal opinions, drafting commercial contracts, and representing clients in court. He holds a Master of Laws in Public International Law from the University of Nairobi and has undertaken extensive training IHL, international criminal law and human rights law, in Italy, Switzerland, Uganda, Ireland, Germany and Kenya.

Margaret Ann ATIENO
Deputy Representative
UNHCR - UN Refugee Agency

Ms. ATIENO took up her current assignment as UNHCR’s Deputy Representative in Ethiopia in June 2022. Prior to taking up the assignment in Ethiopia, Ms. AIENO served as the UNHCR’s Assistant Representative in charge of Protection in Uganda, a post she held for four years from 2018. She has over twenty-five years’ experience championing protection and solutions for forced displacement in at least seven countries including Kenya, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan, South Africa, South Sudan, Uganda, and Ethiopia. She is a citizen of Kenya and a lawyer by training.

Sascha NLABU
Deputy Head of Mission
IOM - International Organization of Migration

Mr. Sascha NLABU currently serves as Deputy Chief of Mission at IOM Ethiopia. In this capacity, Mr. NLABU oversees the formulation of strategies and approaches across IOM’s humanitarian, peacebuilding and development programming. Before this role, Mr. NLABU served as Deputy Chief of Mission with IOM Mozambique. Mr. NLABU also worked with IOM in Namibia and Switzerland with a particular focus on supporting governments in the areas of promoting the human rights of migrants as well as counter-trafficking-in-persons. Before joining IOM, Mr. NLABU held various positions in Switzerland, Burundi and Nigeria related to migration and displacement. These include positions with the Swiss Refugee Council on Refugee Status Determination, with UNDP in Burundi on the socio-economic reintegration of former combatants, and with UNHCR in Nigeria to promote durable solutions for refugees. Mr. NLABU is a graduate of International Studies and Diplomacy from the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS).

Dr. Nate WOODS (Panel Chair)
Customer Support Director
GE Aerospace

Dr. Nate WOODS is a seasoned aerospace professional with over 25 years of experience; he currently serves as Customer Support Director for GE Aerospace in Africa. Nate began his career working for the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, where he gained foundational expertise in gas turbine propulsion. At GE Aerospace, Nate has developed innovative strategies to support airlines of all sizes, fostered strong relationships with key stakeholders, and spearheaded cross-business unit collaboration to identify emerging opportunities. Beyond work, Nate is deeply committed to volunteerism, leading GE Volunteers in Africa, where he facilitated the donation of a GE90 engine to the Ethiopian Museum of Science & Technology, and running STEM Synergy, a local NGO in Ethiopia focused improving access to education for the youth in Ethiopia.

Dr. Ahmed OGWELL
CEO & President
VillageReach

Dr. Ahmed OGWELL is a Kenyan public health leader with over 30 years of experience in health diplomacy, security, and systems strengthening at national, regional, and global levels. He currently serves as the CEO of VillageReach, a global non-profit organization that works with governments to deliver innovative, scalable solutions for equitable and resilient primary health care. Prior to joining VillageReach, Dr. OGWELL was Vice President for Global Health Strategy at the United Nations Foundation. He also served as the founding Deputy Director and Acting Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), where he led regional responses to major health threats, including the COVID-19 pandemic. He holds degrees from the University of Nairobi and the University of Bergen, and is an alumnus of Harvard Business School. Dr. OGWELL is a Fellow of the Academy of Public Health.

Dr. Patrick ABOK
Team Lead, Health Emergency Programme - Ethiopia Country Office
WHO - World Health Organisation

Dr. Patrick Okumu ABOK is a Medical Doctor and Public Health Specialist, currently serving as the Team Lead for Health Emergency Programme at the World Health Organization (WHO) country office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. With over 26 years of international experience across 13 African countries, he has been instrumental in strengthening health security and response capacities for emergencies and humanitarian crises. His expertise spans public health, emergency response management, strategic and change management, capacity building, and global health diplomacy. Previously, he worked as a Senior Health Emergency Officer at the WHO Regional Office for Africa in Brazzaville. In 2020, he was deployed to Ethiopia as the Incident Manager for COVID-19 response and later served as the Health Cluster Coordinator for humanitarian efforts in Northern Ethiopia. He has just returned from Kampala - Uganda where he was the Incident Manager for Ebola response which was declared over a month ago.

Yoram ZOHAR (Panel Chair)
Vice President - International Sales
Vehere Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

Yoram is a senior executive with an impressive background in Sales and Business Development and brings a wealth of expertise in the Cyber and Intelligence domains. Yoram has held important positions at Elbit Systems & Verint. His incredible track record boasts of successful closure of multi-million dollar deals across the globe and the creation of complex business strategies. Yoram’s aim is to drive international sales initiatives with a result-oriented approach and strategic customer relationships. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Life and Computer Science from Tel Aviv University.

Dr. Emmanuel MANASSEH
Regional Director
ITU Regional Office for Africa

Dr. Emmanuel C. MANASSEH is the Regional Director of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for Africa. He has more than 18 years of experience in the telecommunications sector. He is Professional Telecommunication engineer, with working experience from Academia, Industry and the Regulator. Prior to joining the ITU, he worked as a Lecturer at Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in Tanzania; Director of Industry Affairs at Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA); Assistant Professor at Hiroshima University; and a Telecommunications Engineer at Celtel Tanzania Limited (now Airtel Tanzania). Prior to this, Dr. MANASSEH was holding different leadership roles in ITU, including a Councillor for the United Republic of Tanzania, and a Vice-Chair of ITU -T Study Group 20, Internet of Things and Smart Sustainable Cities. Dr. MANASSEH holds Doctor of Engineering (Dr. Eng.) in System Cybernetics from Hiroshima University, Japan in 2013; Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) from Hiroshima University, Japan in 2010; and BSc. degree in Telecommunications Engineering from the University of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania in 2005.

Precious TLHABIWA
Director
INTERPOL SIRAU

Ms. Precious TLHABIWA is a career police officer from Botswana. She joined the Executive Directorate, Partnerships and Planning (EDPP) as the Special Representative of INTERPOL to the African Union, Addis Ababa in June 2024. Ms. TLHABIWA has over 28 years of experience working in the law enforcement field, six of which working in an international law enforcement environment. She has developed and reviewed INTERPOL strategies for the African Region including coordination of the implementation as well as monitoring and evaluation thereof. From 2019 until 2024, Ms. TLHABIWA served as Director of International Relations, Head of the National Central Bureau of Botswana and the Head of AFRIPOL National Liaison Office with responsibility for the operationalization of the International Relations Branch within the Botswana Police Service and the development of its International Relations Strategy. Ms. TLHABIWA was previously seconded as Head of Coordination Desk for Africa, within the Global Outreach and Regional Support (GORS) Directorate, and as Assistant Director, Africa Sub-Directorate, within the NCB and Regional Police Services Directorate, at the INTERPOL headquarters in Lyon, France. She was responsible for the INTERPOL strategic planning and implementation for the African Region.

Shema AKILIMALI
Division Manager Cybercrime Investigation
Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB)

Mr. Shema AKILIMALI is a specialized cybercrime investigator and currently serves as the Division Manager at the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB). He is also a member of the INTERPOL Cybercrime Experts Group and the African Working Group on Cybercrime for Heads of Units. In his role, Mr. AKILIMALI is responsible for strengthening investigative capabilities both nationally and across the African continent. He collaborates with law enforcement and intelligence agencies to provide technical support and strategic leadership in cybercrime investigations.

Maj Gen Stephen James MUTUKU
Dep. Commandant - National Defence College
Kenya Defence Forces (KDF)

Major General Stephen James MUTUKU is currently the Deputy Commandant - Military of the National Defence College - Kenya. Major General MUTUKU's illustrious military career started more than three decades ago when he joined the Kenya Defence Forces. His appointments have been diverse and significant among them: Senior Monitoring & Evaluations Officer at the Peace Support Operations Division - African Union; Chief of Operations Defence Headquarters; In Charge Multi Agency Operations Centre National Police Service; Operations UN AMISOM Somalia; Commanding Officer Cadet School; Officer Commanding Infantry Company; Instructor; Operations Officer among others. His international experience includes serving as the Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Officer in the African Union Peace Support Operations Division, UN AMISOM Somalia, UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) and the UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL). His career has been marked by a commitment to leadership, integrity and service, significantly impacting both national and international security landscapes.

Neil DURSLEY (Panel Chair)
COO of Global Critical Logistics Humanitarian & Government Division
Global Critical Logistic

Neil is an award-winning expert with 37 years of experience in humanitarian logistics and government operations. Since 1988 Neil is renowned for his powerful commercial insight into delivering strategic, multi-modal supply chain solutions in complex and high-risk environments. Neil will chair Panel 8 to specifically address infrastructure gaps and geopolitical instability and the rise of criminal networks across Africa. Neil advocates for secure, resilient logistics systems as a foundation for peace and development in line with the Military Africa Mission. As Chair of this ASEC panel, Neil aims to explore how public-private partnerships can counter criminal networks, protect supply chains, and drive regional integration in fragile and remote areas enhancing efficiency, innovation and resilience.

Brig. Gen. Lekhooa A. MATLALI
Assistant Chief of Staff, Logistics Command & Support Service
Lesotho Defence Force (LDF)

Brigadier General Lekhooa MATLALI is a seasoned officer in the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF), with over three decades of dedicated military service marked by operational excellence, leadership, and international engagement. Born on 12 May 1972, he was enlisted into the LDF in 1992, embarking on a career that would see him rise through the ranks to Brigadier General in 2025. He holds a Cambridge Overseas School Certificate from Eagle’s Peak High School (1987–1991) and has undergone extensive military education and leadership training in Lesotho and abroad. Notably, he completed the Officer’s Cadet Course in Botswana (1997–1998), the Junior Command and General Staff Course in Nigeria (2008), and participated in multiple peacekeeping seminars and civil-military cooperation courses in Zimbabwe, Mali, and Zambia. He also served with distinction as Defence Attaché in South Africa.