As part of the lead-up to the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa, a pre-Forum event was held in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, bringing together voices from policy, academia, and peace and security to reflect on the role of dialogue in addressing Africa’s evolving challenges. The event featured welcoming remarks by H.E. Dr. Amanuel Ferede, Deputy President of the Amhara Region, followed by opening remarks from H.E. Adam Tesfaye, Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Gedion Timothewos. The highlight of the event was a panel discussion on “Navigating a Changing World: The Role of Dialogue in Advancing Peace and Security in Africa,” moderated by Blen Mamo, with panelists Dr. Mercy Fekadu, Dr. Tilahun Bejitual, Hallelujah Lulie, and Yayew Chekole. The session also included a QnA session. Key takeaways were: - Informal diplomatic initiatives often remain underrecognized within the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), highlighting the need to acknowledge and strengthen flexible, alternative platforms for engagement. - At a time when the very meaning of peace is being debated, platforms such as the Tana Forum provide vital spaces for frank, candid, and constructive conversations on Africa’s peace and security priorities. - The Tana Forum continues to serve as a space where ideas are generated, new policy alternatives are explored, and even uncomfortable questions are raised, reinforcing its relevance as a policy incubator for peace and security in Africa. - The discussion underscored the importance of examining the role of dialogue in advancing the Silencing the Guns agenda and reflecting on what truly makes peace processes African-led. - Building trust between institutions and communities remains essential. Dialogue must help bridge these gaps while addressing implementation challenges within existing dialogue frameworks. - The venue and context of dialogue matter. Platforms such as the Tana Forum can help shape emerging political discourse and open pathways for new approaches to peace and security. The discussion reaffirmed the enduring relevance of the Tana Forum as a trusted platform for informal diplomacy, policy innovation, and candid dialogue on Africa’s most pressing peace and security challenges.

With traditional frameworks often falling short, African-led solutions are essential to shaping our security discourse. 🌍 We are pleased to announce the 2026 @TanaForum Book Selection: "Redefining Peace in a Shifting World" by Dr. Ibrahim Sakawa Magara. 📚 📍Dr. Magara powerfully explores the decolonization of peace theory and practice. 📍He highlights how IGAD’s adaptable approach to the South Sudan conflict challenges Eurocentric models of governance. He challenges us to rethink regional integration to ensure African agency leads our peace processes. 🕊️✊🏿 This October, Dr. Magara will present his book to African Heads of State and top experts at the 12th Tana Forum in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Read the full announcement here 👇tanaforum.org/2026-book-sele… #TanaForum2026 #AfricanSecurity #IGAD

With youth comprising 60% of Africa’s population, their voices are essential to shaping the continent's policy discourse. We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 Tana Forum Essay Competition: two outstanding scholars offering insightful solutions to pressing regional challenges. 🌍 • Lita Wanjiru Ngure (🇰🇪) powerfully argues against the neglect of life-sustaining social infrastructures in Sudan. • Fadzai Nyamarebvu (🇿🇼) proposes a framework to bridge informal cross-border trade with formal institutions. Together, they challenge us to rethink economic "informality" to ensure we do not disenfranchise vulnerable Africans, particularly women and youth. This October, these winners will present their papers to African Heads of State and top experts at the 12th Tana Forum in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. 🇪🇹 Read the full announcement here 👇tanaforum.org/kenyan-and-zim… #TanaForum2026 #AfricanYouth #YouthEmpowerment #PeaceAndSecurity

The press briefing highlighted the Tana Forum’s role as an informal platform for advancing dialogue on Africa’s peace and security challenges. ​Speakers emphasised the Forum’s value in bringing together leaders, policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders to engage openly on continental peace and security issues. Its informal setting creates space for frank dialogue, trust-building, and bilateral engagement beyond formal institutional processes. ​The discussion also underscored the importance of partnerships in strengthening peace and security across the continent, with the Tana Forum Secretariat reaffirming its commitment to sustained dialogue and practical regional engagement.