Brookings Institution: Discussion on topic "State of African Security, 6 Critical Countries"

Discussants: Moderator Suzanne Maloney, Brookings; Matthew Carotenuto, Professor of History, St. Lawrence University; Michael OHanlon, Landry Signe, and Jon Temin, all of Brookings.  The event was held Monday, August 12, 2019 at the Brookings Institution in Washington, DC.

Even though limited somewhat, the topic became a springboard for comments on the rapid-paced changes occurring on the whole African Continent.  Participants became enthusiastic in their endorsement of both China and the United States in paving the way for the several African countries  to engage in international trade and commerce--China for bringing about infrastructure improvements and the United States for making available its military expertise toward establishing more lasting peace and stability throughout.  Appreciative comments were also forthcoming regarding the many NGOs' humanitarian achievements and institutional structures instituted by religious faiths, including the Catholic Church and the Baptists through each's missionary programs.  Discussants were encouraging of governmental and related groups, too, such as the African Union--O'Hanlon adding, he wishes the Union could even do more in its leadership capacity.

To be sure, there's much work to be done to bring the nations on this Continent up to technological speed.  Mention was made of the fact that the Congo is one of the poorest countries in the world; and that Somalia is war-weary from the many battles fought on its territory.  The Continent is in obvious need of help and assistance for men and women of goodwill around the world to bring about a spirit of peace to end the hostility, which along with famine and disease, threatens the lives of the African people.  Seemingly, the Continent has many dangers. 

The meeting ended with a moderator's note to announce yet another meeting on Africa in the not too distant future!