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AfroAsia Institute pushes for unity for sustainable development as Nairobi conference ends

Guests including Abdiwahab Abdisamad, founder and executive director of the AfroAsia Institute for Strategic Studies, during its conference in Nairobi on January 14, 2024. (Photo: AfroAsia Institute for Strategic Studies)

By Abdirahman Khalif | 14 Jan 2024

The institute on Sunday concluded a two-day conference in Nairobi, which focused on addressing ongoing conflicts in the Horn of Africa and other East African regions.

The AfroAsia Institute for Strategic Studies, dedicated to championing the interests of East African and African nations, has urged unity in addressing challenges and rewriting the continent's story.

The institute on Sunday concluded a two-day conference in Nairobi, which focused on addressing ongoing conflicts in the Horn of Africa and other East African regions.

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In an interview with The Eastleigh Voice, Abdiwahab Abdisamad, the institute's founder and executive director, emphasised the importance of unity, saying there is beauty in working together as a continent rather than solely pursuing ethnic interests.

Abdiwahab revealed the institute's plans to publish quarterly reports covering African issues related to security, development and economic integration. He also underlined the institute's goal of addressing issues affecting Africans as a whole, rather than catering to specific ethnic groups.

Expressing concern over the influence of foreign funding on African think tanks, Abdiwahab further highlighted the need for a homegrown institution. He stressed the importance of Africans funding their initiatives, shaping their narratives and providing accurate reports on African issues.

Abdiwahab Abdisamad, founder and executive director of the AfroAsia Institute for Strategic Studies, during its conference in Nairobi on January 14, 2024. (Photo: AfroAsia Institute for Strategic Studies)

The conference attracted leaders and pro-African analysts from various African countries. Milena Bereket from Eritrea, a staunch advocate for African issues, stressed the importance of unity to fulfill African aspirations.

Dadaab Member of Parliament Farah Maalim welcomed the establishment of the AfroAsia Institute and urged Africans to collaborate in resolving their own issues, standing united against external influences.

The AfroAsia Institute for Strategic Studies, as part of its mission, will focus on fostering intellectual discourse and in-depth analysis of key issues pertinent to the African continent. The commitment to a united African voice remains at the forefront of its endeavors for sustainable development.

The successful conclusion of the conference marked a significant step towards fostering collaboration among African nations, reinforcing the institute's dedication to shaping a brighter future for the continent.