In Nairobi, Kenya, the MAB program, in cooperation with the Stanley Foundation, organized a roundtable meeting on how assistance related to implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004) can help bridge the security/development divide in the region. Novel streams of international security assistance can sustainably address global terrorism and proliferation challenges while simultaneously assuaging regional security threats and development needs in Kenya and the East African subregion.
“Dual-benefit” issues on the agenda included public health, small arms and light weapons proliferation and trafficking, as well as terrorism. The meeting was attended by 30 government officials and representatives of local NGOs. Ambassador Ochieng Adala, former Kenyan Permanent Representative to the UN and current Executive Director of the Africa Peace Forum, offered opening remarks. Other featured speakers included:
- Mr. Jussi Laurikainen, Governance Programme Officer, Embassy of Finland in Nairobi.
- John Nzumbi, Disarmament Specialist, The Regional Centre on Small Arms
- Rashid Abdi, Horn of Africa Analyst, International Crisis Group
- Dr. David Mutonga, Director, Division of Disease Surveillance and Response, Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation
- Dr. Maurice Ope, Ministry of Public Health
- Fred Ngoga Gateretse, Adviser to the AU Special Representative for Somalia
- Rokhayatou Diarra, Expert, Terrorism Prevention Branch, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
- Sabala Kizito, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development
Director of the MAB program, Brian Finlay, explained the Stimson model of engagement.
Also in attendance during the workshop was Stimson Center visiting fellow, Mr. O’Neil Hamilton, who shared his insights on the benefits countries in the Global South can reap from implementing, through outside assistance. Mr. Hamilton highlighted the success stories in the Caribbean Basin and Central America and discussed how developing countries can combat regional priorities through the implementation of 1373 and 1540.
Following the Nairobi meeting, the MAB program visited Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, meeting with government officials and NGOs. The MAB program with generous support from the Finnish Ministry of Foreign affairs will continue to engage with the East African sub-region in 2011 under the auspices of the Beyond Boundaries Initiative.