The eleventh National Security Symposium 2024 jointly organised by Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College (RDFCSC) and the University of Rwanda (UR) officially opened at Kigali Convention Centre on Wednesday, May 22.
The three-day symposium brought together academicians, government officials, diplomats and subject matter experts including Generals, Senior Military, Police Officers and civilians from 52 countries to discuss contemporary security issues on a revolving theme: "Contemporary Security Challenges: The African Perspective”.
At the 10th National Security Symposium last year, it was noted that foreign interference in Africa remains a persistent destabilising factor, and its effects continue to hold back the continent’s development.
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Minister of Defence Juvenal Marizamunda opened the meeting by reminding participants that "our world is confronted with a myriad of security challenges that threaten peace and stability.”
The minister noted that these challenges range from terrorism and violent extremism to cyber threats through governance failures, climate change, global energy disruptions, food insecurity, and unfair trade and financial systems, among others.
Marizamunda said: "This symposium offers a golden opportunity to engage in fruitful discussions, analyse current trends, share best practices, and collaborate on innovative approaches to address the multifaceted security challenges facing our continent today and build a more secure and sustainable future for all.
"I am confident that the diverse expertise and perspectives represented in this symposium will enrich our discussions and contribute to the development of innovative strategies to enhance the much-needed peace and security on our continent.”
Discussions at the symposium cover a variety of topics including youth radicalisation and international violent extremism, climate change in Africa, global energy crisis and transitions, food security in Africa, compounding effects of global shocks on trade, supply chain and debt trap and insecurity in Africa.