Seminar 9 of the High Studies for Security and Defence: Challenges facing the African continent
On 16 and 17 May 2025, the auditors of the High Studies for Security and Defence (HSSD) gathered in Brussels for the ninth seminar of the year, devoted to Sub-Saharan Africa. This was a highly valuable module, both in geopolitical and human terms, with high-level speakers, crossed perspectives and reflection on the crises in Africa, their history and their global repercussions.
A programme of excellence: history, instability, influence and cooperation
The seminar began with a presentation by Peter Verlinden, former Africa specialist at the Flemish Radio and Television (VRT), on Europe’s difficult relationship with its colonial past. This was a necessary presentation to better understand the tensions surrounding memory that still influence foreign policy and perceptions in Africa today.
Prof. Nina Wilén (Egmont/Lund University) then presented an in-depth analysis of the growing instability in the Sahel region, marked by coups d’état, external interference and persistent terrorist threats.
On the second day, former Belgian Minister for Development Cooperation Meryame Kitir offered a direct and human perspective on Belgian action on the ground in Africa. Drawing on her political experience, she illustrated how development diplomacy can turn out to be a powerful tool for stabilisation – provided that its levers, limitations and local realities are understood. Her presentation sparked a lively debate on the role of cooperation as a vehicle for sustainable security.
Next, Jean-Jacques Wondo, renowned analyst and founder of Afridesk, gave a presentation on the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Great Lakes region. By contextualising the current tensions within a regional and global framework, he highlighted the security, economic and political issues that make the DRC a key but often misunderstood player.
His ability to articulate local and global dynamics made a deep impression on the auditors.
Dr Sara Van Hoeymissen (RMA) concluded the day with an analysis of China’s rise in power on the African continent in the context of Donald Trump’s return to the White House. It was a lucid look at the evolution of multilateralism and the emerging power relations in Africa.
A seminar marked by cohesion
A sporting activity was organised on Friday afternoon to strengthen ties between auditors in a spirit of comradeship and collaboration, which is essential for building solid and operational networks.
📌 Find out more
Would you like to find out more about the other HSSD thematic seminar?
Find all our articles dedicated to each session: Session 2024-2025.
