AfriCan Geopardy

AfriCan Geopardy

By Dr Ifesinachi Okafor-YarwoodNewsPolitics
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AfriCan Geopardy episodes

  • ECOWAS at 50: Transitioning from ECOWAS of States to an ECOWAS of the People

    Happy New Year and welcome to the latest episode of AfriCan Geopardy.


    In this episode, we discuss the evolution of ECOWAS as it marks 50 years of fostering regional integration and development in West Africa. The discussion explores the transition from an "ECOWAS of States" to an "ECOWAS of the People," with our guest, Her Excellency, Ambassador Josephine Nkrumah highlighting the strides made in promoting economic cooperation, peace, and security.


    We examined the challenges of making ECOWAS more people-centered, its role in addressing pressing regional issues, and the vision for the next 50 years. The discussion would not have been complete if we did not talk about the decision by Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger to leave the Community.


    Join us for an engaging conversation about the past, present, and future of this vital regional bloc.


    #ECOWASofthepeople

    59 min
  • Our Year in Review — Key conversations on AfriCan Geopardy in 2024

    As we wrap up the year, this special episode of the African Geopardy Podcast revisits the impactful discussions and critical insights shared throughout 2024. From January to December, we explored various topics shaping geopolitical issues in Africa, including maritime safety, security, terrorism, insurgency, and fisheries sustainability.


    We started the year in January with an insightful conversation on "A Holistic Approach to Maritime Security and a Review of Progress Made by the Yaoundé Architecture." Senior Captain Bamele, the Operational Coordination Director for State Action at Sea, Cote d'Ivoire and Navy Captain Atonfack, the Technical Adviser to the Ministry of Defence and the Spokesperson for the Cameroonian Armed Forces, and concluded the year by discussing "The Importance of the Upcoming Election and Fisheries Transparency for the Future of Ghana's Fishing Sector," featuring Dr Kamal Deen-Ali, the Executive Director of the Centre for Maritime Law and Security (CEMLAWS) Africa.


    Join us as we reflect on these significant dialogues, celebrate our amazing guests, and highlight the innovative solutions and bold ideas that are shaping the future of Africa's maritime domain.


    To our listeners, thank you for your continued support. May you have a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year when it comes.


    #AfriCan

    #Wefoundawaytogetintheway

    29 min
  • The Importance of the Upcoming Election and Fisheries Transparency for the Future of Ghana's Fishing Sector

    In this episode of African Geopardy, we explore "The Importance of the Upcoming Election and Fisheries Transparency for the Future of Ghana's Fishing Sector" with Dr Kamal-Deen Ali, Team Leader at the Centre for Maritime Law and Security (CEMLAWS) Africa.


    Drawing from his extensive experience in ocean governance, maritime security, and international law, Dr Ali shares the crucial role of Ghana's fisheries sector in national development. He discusses the importance of transparency in fisheries management and the policies and reforms the next government should prioritise for sustainability. Furthermore, he emphasises why fisheries issues should be a central focus in the upcoming election.


    Whether you are a voter, a policymaker, or simply passionate about Ghana's fisheries, this episode provides compelling reasons to understand why fisheries matter and why citizens should demand accountability and progress in this vital sector as they make their votes count.


    Tune in for an insightful discussion on shaping the future of Ghana's fishing sector!

    35 min
  • The Echoes from the Field: The ISIPSK Experience

    In this month's episode of AfriCan Geopardy, the research team from Dr Ife Okafor-Yarwood’s PEW Fellowship Project "Creating Synergies between Indigenous Practices and Scientific Knowledge (ISIPSK)" share their reflections following a month-long field research experience. The episode was recorded on July 30th to capture the team's insights and highlight the significance of collaborative research.


    You will hear from several discussants, including Mrs Josephine Asare, a PhD student involved in the research, Mr Kwesi Johnson, Mr Nana Kweigyah, Mr Kenneth Arthur, Mr Gabriel Mevuta and Mr Emmanuel Tenkorang.


    Throughout the conversation, the participants shared their experiences from the field, highlighting the benefits of collaborative research, especially involving people directly affected by the issues researched as part of the research and data collection process.


    Enjoy and please do share.


    #Sankofa

    #Gobackandretrieveit

    #Knowledgecoproduction

    58 min
  • Maritime Organisation of West & Central Africa (MOWCA) Strategic Role in Advancing Maritime Security

    In this month's episode of African Geopardy, we discussed "The strategic role of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) in advancing maritime safety and security". Our guest, Dr Paul Adalikwu, the Secretary General of MOWCA, shared his extensive knowledge and experience on the topic.


    During the discussion, we explored MOWCA's strategic role in addressing threats to navigation and security and its ambitious vision to become a continental organization with representation from other regions. We covered topics ranging from countering security threats to improving navigation safety in the Gulf of Guinea and effectively addressing obstacles.


    Whether you are interested in maritime safety and security or simply curious about efforts to enhance navigation safety, this is an episode you will not want to miss!


    Thanks for tuning in.

    #AfriCan!

    42 min
  • Improving Maritime Domain Awareness and Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean Region

    Welcome to AfriCan Geopardy. In this episode, we discussed "Improving Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean Region" with Mr Hassani Ahamada Soilihi, a lawyer and maritime expert from the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC). Mr. Soilihi played a key role in introducing the "Safe Seas for Africa" programme, and at the IOC, he has been instrumental in advancing IOC projects focused on oil spill response, fisheries law reform, and environmental concerns.


    During our discussion, we explored the complex challenges of maritime insecurity in the Western Indian Ocean region and the ongoing efforts to improve maritime domain awareness (MDA) and legal enforcement. We discussed the various constraints in this area, including issues such as over-internationalization and the duplication of responses. Additionally, we looked into the changes necessary for sustained progress, including specific actions or changes that the African Union can implement to address these issues in a new and effective way.


    The link below provides more information about the IOC's work to strengthen maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean Region.


    https://www.commissionoceanindien.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/2020_PolicyBrief_web_en.pdf

    43 min
  • How YARIS contributes to better maritime domain awareness and security in the GoG…
    Tune in to the latest episode of AfriCan Georpady, where we discuss “How YARIS Contributes to Better Maritime Domain Awareness and Security in the Gulf of Guinea and Plans for the Handover of Ownership and Management System to the Region” with Mr. Sam Megwa, the Strategic Director of the EU Gulf of Guinea Interregional Network (GoGIN).
    In this episode, Mr Sam introduces our listeners to the Yaoundé Architecture Regional Information System (YARIS) platform. He shares success stories and explains how the system is designed to monitor future threats such as terrorism and undersea cable threats. Most importantly, he discussed the plans for regional handover and how this can be achieved. Additionally, he covers other information-sharing tools outside the region, such as MDAT-GoG and ICC/IMB, and how they can work better with the regional centres.
    Happy listening, and please share youlin thoughts!
    To learn more about YARIS check the link below:
    https://yaris.site/en/yaris-platform/
    The links below provide more information about how technological tools, including the YARIS system, are helping countries in the Gulf of Guinea improve maritime domain awareness and security.
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308597X23005092
    https://theconversation.com/west-africas-coast-was-a-haven-for-piracy-and-illegal-fishing-how-technology-is-changing-the-picture-222803
    46 min
  • Youths and Violent Extremism in West Africa
    Welcome to African Geopardy. In this month's episode, we are discussing "Youths and Violent Extremism in West Africa" with Mr Mutaru Mumuni Muqthar, a Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Practitioner and the Executive Director of the West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism (WACCE). Over the past nine years, Mutaru has worked to prevent 23 radicalised individuals from joining terrorist groups. His efforts have contributed to a deeper local understanding of radicalisation and violent extremism in West Africa. He has also empowered more than 9,600 youth and community leaders to act as peace ambassadors and build resilience against violent extremism in the region. During our discussion, we explored the link between youth unemployment and recruitment into extremist groups. We also highlighted the role of women in extremist groups. We emphasised the need for a comprehensive and gender-sensitive approach to addressing extremism, including strategies to combat violent extremism in West Africa and across the continent.
    Thanks for listening and sharing.
    39 min
  • Unlocking Nigeria's Blue Economy Potential for Sustainable Growth.
    In the latest episode of AfriCan Geography, we discussed "Unlocking Nigeria's Blue Economy Potential for Sustainable Growth" with Ms Kashimana Tsumba. She is a maritime lawyer specialising in resolving disputes related to charter parties, crewmen's wages, collisions, and marine insurance contracts. Ms. Tsumba advises ship owners and insurers and is actively involved in enforcement proceedings for LMAA arbitrations. Our discussion covered the opportunities inherent in Nigeria's blue economy and the legal, strategic, operational, and infrastructural challenges of harnessing its potential. Ms Tsumba also touched on what can be done differently to ensure the sustainable exploitation of Nigeria's ocean economy.
    Thank you for tuning in.
    33 min
  • Changing trends of terrorism in the Sahel and its potential impact on maritime security in Africa
    In this episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we explored the "changing trends of terrorism in the Sahel and its potential impact on maritime security in Africa" with Prof. Freedom Onuoha, a Professor of Political Science at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Coordinator of the Security, Violence, and Conflict (SVC) Research Group at the university. Prof. Onuoha's research interests include aspects of national and transnational security threats, with an emphasis on terrorism, violent extremism, insurgency, maritime security, violent conflict, organized crime, peacebuilding, and state fragility. During the discussion, Prof. Onuoha shed light on the various ways in which the evolving patterns of terrorism in the Sahel region could compromise maritime security in Africa, citing examples from Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Togo, Côte d'Ivoire, and other states. He also discussed the increased threat posed by the use of drones by terrorist groups and outlined measures that coastal states and their partners could take to mitigate these looming dangers.
    Thank you for listening.
    41 min

About AfriCan Geopardy

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AfriCan Geopardy was founded in 2019. It is a fun, witty, and authentic way of discussing African geopolitics and the oceans, with a twist of breaking stereotypes about Africa. We present topics in a…