IRSK delegates call for research to bridge gap in governance and security

COMESA Head of Governance, Peace and Security Programme Elizabeth Mutunga. [X, @COMESA_GPS]

Delegates drawn from 10 countries in Africa attending an International Relations Society of Kenya conference have called for research and bridging the gap between theory and practice in governance, peace and security interventions.

Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) Head of Governance, Peace and Security Programme Elizabeth Mutunga told attendees during the conference held in Nairobi that policy and security interventions should be anchored in policy research.

Ms Mutunga said it is time for various actors to reassess intervention measures given the current global environment that has manifested in an increase in terrorism and violent extremism and a rise in unconstitutional changes of government and other expressions of competition.

“Whether it is conflict prevention, conflict management or post-conflict reconstruction our programmes have mostly been guided by research, we must question ourselves if peace and security programmes are convenient for that purpose,” said Ms Mutunga.

African Centre for Constructive Resolution (ACCORD) Executive Director Vasu Goundan warned time is running out due to multiple crises happening in Africa with artificial intelligence, climate change and infrastructure gaps presenting both risks as well as opportunities for the continent.

The International Relations Society of Kenya (IRSK) Secretary and CEO Leonard Wanyama told the forum that IRSK serves as a forum for the exchange of ideas, networking and programmed initiatives among those involved in the study, teaching and practice of international relations and diplomacy.’

“IRSK works to promote research, deeper understanding and collaboration amongst various stakeholders in the international affairs and foreign policy space in the region with calls for all stakeholders to work together to ensure that Africa achieves its goals in international relations,” said Wanyama.

The 2023 IRSK Conference Chair Kizito Sabala stated that the IRSK Annual Conference will come up with modalities to bridge theory and practice in the international relations and diplomacy space with the annual event providing a valuable platform for the exchange of knowledge, perspectives and insights among various stakeholders.

African Leaders Malaria Alliance special representative Anthony Okara also highlighted the twin dangers of the climate crisis and nuclear war facing humankind.