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Colonel Batlhatlosi Phejana is the Assistant Secretary for Defence (Policy) at the Botswana Ministry of Defence and Security. Colonel Phejana is an active alumnus of the Africa Center who has attended three in-person programs: the 2019 Emerging Security Sector Leaders (ESSL) seminar, the 2021 Virtual ESSL seminar, and the 2023 Managing Security Resources in Africa workshop. He has also attended Africa Center alumni events. He coordinated with the Africa Center to bring the 2022 National Security Strategy Development workshop to Botswana and contributed to the curriculum development of the 2023 Southern Africa Parliamentarians Forum.
What does it mean to be an Africa Center alumnus?
Colonel Batlhatlosi Phejana (BP): Being an Africa Center alumnus is profound. It signifies an alignment with African values and a commitment to learning and growth. The Africa Center holds immense significance, particularly in bolstering the defense and security of the continent through robust capacity building initiatives. My engagement with the Africa Center, especially amid the challenges of the Covid-19 era, has been enlightening. Through various programs, I’ve witnessed firsthand the center’s unwavering professionalism and its profound ability to shape the mindset of Africa’s security sector leaders. The Africa Center stands as a beacon of hope, poised to significantly influence the professionalization of Africa’s security landscape. By nurturing leaders and fostering a culture of forward-thinking, it plays a pivotal role in reshaping security paradigms across the continent. To be affiliated with the Africa Center fills me with pride and a sense of privilege. It’s not just an association; it’s a testament to my belief in the center’s mission and its potential to drive positive change. I hold the Africa Center in high regard, and as an alum, I am deeply grateful for the opportunities it has afforded me.
Do you keep in touch with alumni you met at the Africa Center events?
BP: Absolutely, I do. I’m in regular contact with many of them, spanning across countries and the region. We chat about everything under the sun, from casual conversations to discussing our professional endeavors. Just yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting up with one of my colleagues from last year’s program in Lusaka, Zambia. It was great reconnecting with him, and we shared a wonderful dinner together. So yes, I do maintain connections with fellow participants from Africa Center programs.
How do you anticipate African security challenges changing in the coming 25 years?
BP: When envisioning the evolving landscape of African security over the next 25 years, it’s crucial to recognize Africa’s interconnectedness with the global security environment. Africa cannot be viewed in isolation; it is intricately linked to global security trends and developments. Structural challenges, such as those stemming from the impact of global warming, cybersecurity threats, and migration issues, are poised to shape Africa’s security landscape significantly. These challenges, exacerbated by the effects of climate change, are likely to persist and intensify in the foreseeable future. Looking ahead, the next quarter-century is fraught with the continuation and escalation of these security challenges. Climate change will continue to exert profound effects, posing threats to food security, exacerbating resource scarcity, and fueling conflicts over dwindling resources. Cybersecurity emerges as another critical area of concern, with Africa facing significant vulnerabilities compared to other regions. The continent must bolster its capacity to anticipate and respond to cybersecurity threats effectively.
Furthermore, transnational crime and violent extremism remain persistent threats, as evidenced by ongoing conflicts such as the situation in Mozambique. These challenges underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address root causes and mitigate their impacts. As we navigate the complexities of the future security landscape, Africans will find themselves increasingly grappling with the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change and cybersecurity. Adapting to these challenges will require concerted efforts at the national, regional, and international levels. In conclusion, the next 25 years are likely to be characterized by Africa’s resilience in the face of evolving security threats, with a particular emphasis on addressing the impacts of climate change and enhancing cybersecurity capabilities.
Why do you continue your partnership with the Africa Center?
BP: Well, to me, the Africa Center represents opportunity. The work being done by the Africa Center is pivotal. It’s not just about capacity building; it’s about fundamentally shaping the mindset and approaches of African security sector leaders. This extends beyond traditional military and police spheres, influencing all sectors involved in securing Africa. We’re talking about empowering parliamentarians, strengthening the judiciary’s role in upholding the rule of law, and generally contributing to good governance in Africa. This is why I hold the Africa Center in such high regard and seize every chance to engage with it. It provides an essential space for envisioning the future we desire for our continent. It’s a place where we, as Africans, can come together, discuss, dream, and work towards realizing that future. In that sense, it’s not just important to me; it’s indispensable.
Do you have any reflections or messages you’d like to share with the Africa Center community on its 25th anniversary?
BP: Absolutely. First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Africa Center on reaching this remarkable milestone of 25 years of service to Africa. It’s truly a cause for celebration, considering the immense impact the center has had on our continent. While it’s true that Africa still grapples with security challenges, it’s important to acknowledge the numerous positives that have emerged as a result of the Africa Center’s initiatives. Often, we tend to dwell on the negatives, overlooking the significant strides made possible by the center. The Africa Center’s programs on leadership, particularly executive leadership, have equipped countless individuals across Africa with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate complex security landscapes. This, in turn, has contributed to the improved security provision across the continent.
So, my message is simple: Congratulations, Africa Center, and please continue your invaluable work. Don’t be disheartened by setbacks; instead, let them fuel your determination to support us in building the Africa we envision—one of peace, security, and freedom for all.
The professional networks fostered through the Africa Center’s programs are invaluable. Thanks to these connections, I can easily reach out to colleagues in Zambia, Congo, or Liberia—a testament to the center’s impact in fostering collaboration and solidarity among African security professionals.
Once again, thank you, Africa Center, for your unwavering dedication. Let’s keep moving forward together.