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Adwa Pan-African University
First I want to thank the initiators of this brilliant idea. I also want to thank all participants who contributed to the enrichment of the discussions on the Concept Paper / Concept Note on the establishment of the university. I really enjoyed listening to it. Thirdly, I want to thank Aigaforum for sharing this information.
Coming back to the subject matter, I listened very carefully the different discussions. Let me begin with the naming of the university. There were some differences / divisions. Some were saying that it has to remain Ethiopian while some others were saying that it has to be related to the Pan-African context. Personally, I support that we need to reflect the Pan-African sentiment to galvanize the political and financial support for the initiative. If we give it an Ethiopian Name, we need to finance it ourselves and it would look like a Federal University which could have branches (different colleges) in the other Regional States throughout the country (as suggested by General Tadesse). This will be purely Ethiopian and could provide some scholarships to African students. Its impact on Africa will not be that much high while it might strengthen the national (Ethiopian) unity.
On the other hand, if we opt for the Pan-African approach, it will help us bring our African Brothers to our side, which will make our country and Africa strong. In addition to linking it to the Pan-Africanism, we need to use the AU and its Assembly, to garner the support of our African Brothers and the black race everywhere. If we manage to get the buy in by the AU Assembly, then, it would be easier to mobilize technical and financial support from within Africa and from external sources. This is what is being observed currently by the already established Institutes of the Pan-African University. So linking it to the AU and its Agenda 2063 is critical to the realization of our dream.
During the discussion, there was some fear that the areas proposed for the university would duplicate with the areas already being addressed by the already established different institutions of the Pan-African University. I also share this sentiment. If we go that way, we might end up becoming a sub-institution (subset) of the institutions already in place. That is not what we wanted. If the University is going to contribute to the aims and objectives of the AU, in particular to the implementation of the Agenda 2063, whose vision is to have an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, we need to explore what areas are not covered by the existing Pan-African University and its Institutions. In this regard, I want to share an idea which would make the university focus on a new area that would complement the existing Pan-African University. This will enable Adwa Pan-African University to undertake all what was being discussed during the consultative meeting, but with a different focus area. The new focus area was not mentioned by any participant or even by the Concept note presented. I am sure it will help us to avoid duplication and Adwa University becoming a subset of the Institutions of the existing Pan-African University.
The Adwa Victory is a victory against colonialism and oppression for independence, freedom and liberty, which our continent had been subjected to and continues to experience it up to now in one or other forms. It is a victory of all Ethiopians, which has shown that unity is the sole and iron defense for any aggression. It was a symbol for our African brothers and others who were under the yoke of oppression to defend and set themselves free. So, Adwa Victory was a victory for Ethiopia and by extension for Africa. Can we then not relate the Adwa Victory to the Defense and Security of Africa; an area which has been discussed at different AU Policy Organs, with so many decisions to establish it at continental level, but has not materialized up to now and was not clearly articulated in Agenda 2063. Defense and security issues are spread in all Aspirations, but summarized in a “peaceful Africa” in the Vision of Agenda 2063. Defense and peace and security are key important frameworks for Agenda 2063 to happen. As the existing Pan-African University with its Institutions, has not addressed this area, I believe it could form a good niche for the proposed Adwa Pan-African University to engage itself without any competition.
Once there is agreement on the area of focus, we can then discuss and agree on the naming of the University. Some proposals are listed below for discussion.
It is known that the areas of defense, peace and security are too sensitive and that the continental achievements in this area are inadequate and gray. As a result, the Heads of State and Government of Member States of the African Union, meeting at the Second Extraordinary Session, in Sirte, Great Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, on 28 February, 2004, decaled a Common African Defense and Security Policy. They did not only adopt the Common African Defense and Security Policy in the context of the Constitutive Act of the African Union, but also declared their commitment to uphold and give practical expression to the provisions of the Declaration; and requested the Chairperson of the Commission to submit proposals relating to the different aspects of this Declaration in order to give effect to its implementation. As to what is meant by defense and security, the following is what the Assembly endorsed in Durban, South Africa, in July 2002:
DEFENCE “Ensuring the common defense of Africa involves working on the basis of a definition of defense which encompasses both the traditional, military and state-centric notion of the use of the armed forces of the state to protect its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the less traditional, non-military aspects which relate to the protection of the people’s political, cultural, social and economic values and ways of life. In terms of the linkage between defense at the national level and that at the regional and continental levels, it is understood, also, that each African country’s defense is inextricably linked to that of other African countries, as well as that of other regions and, by the same token, that of the African continent as a whole”.
SECURITY “Similarly, ensuring the common security of Africa involves working on the basis of a definition which encompasses both the traditional, state-centric, notion of the survival of the state and its protection by military means from external aggression, as well as the non-military notion which is informed by the new international environment and the high incidence of intra-state conflict. The causes of intra-state conflict necessitate a new emphasis on human security, based not only on political values but on social and economic imperatives as well. This newer, multi-dimensional notion of security thus embraces such issues as human rights; the right to participate fully in the process of governance; the right to equal development as well as the right to have access to resources and the basic necessities of life; the right to protection against poverty; the right to conducive education and health conditions; the right to protection against marginalization on the basis of gender; protection against natural disasters, as well as ecological and environmental degradation. At the national level, the aim would be to safeguard the security of individuals, families, communities, and the state/national life, in the economic, political and social dimensions. This applies at the various regional levels also; and at the continental level, the principle would be underscored that the “security of each African country is inseparably linked to that of other African countries and the African continent as a whole.”
Such definitions will allow the university to start small but expand in a sustainable manner into much broader areas that could cover the sectors that were mentioned during the debate. History when it comes to defense of Africa, security and humanities, security and economic development, security and environmental issues, etc. It would also allow it to undertake research on contemporary and future challenges and opportunities on defense and peace and security in Africa, which would help AU to implement its mandate. At the same time, it is clear that the Aspirations of Agenda 2063, which are given below, cannot be achieved without a continental defense and security framework. 1. A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development 2. An integrated continent, politically united and based on the ideals of Pan Africanism and the vision of Africa’s Renaissance 3. An Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law 4. A peaceful and secure Africa 5. An Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, values and ethics 6. An Africa where development is people-driven, unleashing the potential of its women and youth 7. Africa as a strong, united and influential global player and partner.
There are elements of defense and security in each of the Aspirations. The university is going to play a major role in addressing the peace and security issues in each of the Aspirations, making it a real actor in Pan-Africanism. This will enhance the implementation of Agenda 2063 in general. I am convinced that if the university assumes its functions as an African University for Defense and Security matters, it is going to provide support to a number of African Union Organs such as the AU Commission, the AU Security Council, the AU Peace and Security Commission, the Regional Economic Communities, the African Union Standby Forces, etc. The university will provide knowledge and advice on matters related to defense and security issues. It will also advise and closely work with national defense and security institutions. In addition, it will, through the AU Leadership, collaborate with UN Agencies, particularly the UN Security Council.
The benefit to Ethiopia will also be great as Ethiopia, the oldest independent country in Africa, has been involved in the struggle for African independence. Ethiopia has also been involved in a number of UN peace missions in Africa and elsewhere. Ethiopia continues to play this role in the IGAD region. The establishment of such a university will therefore assist the country in improving its defense and security sector and creating good image and linkages with African Union and its member states and the UN systems. Such arrangements will really give prominence to Ethiopia in Africa.
Finally, the resources required for the establishment of the university are certainly huge. But, by linking it to the AU and its Agenda 2063 with no duplication to existing Pan-African University, will make the resources mobilization and garnering commitments from different actors easier.
I therefore request the committee to discuss on the matter and see if it is worthy of consideration. If the proposed focus area is not suitable, then I rest my case. Once again, I thank the initiators and the committee for their time and energy to realize this initiative. I also thank Aigaforum and request them to edit if need be and share it with the Committee. Kind regards Debalkew Berhe (PhD) May 2016 |