On October 20th, 2023, YES DC hosted a highly insightful symposium titled “Geopolitical Implications of the Recent Trend of Coups in Sub-Saharan Africa on Europe’s Energy Sustainability Goals” at Carol Shaw Hall, The Hague Tech. This event convened experts, policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and civil society representatives to analyze the far-reaching impacts of recent political upheavals in Sub-Saharan Africa on Europe’s energy landscape.
The symposium focused on the rising trend of military coups in West Africa and the Sahel, specifically in Niger, Gabon, Burkina Faso, Mali, Sudan, and Guinea. The heightened anti-Western sentiments has opened the door for increased Russian and Chinese influence, posing significant geopolitical challenges for Europe. As such, the discussions torched light on the potential disruptions of energy partnerships between Europe and African nations, particularly with Niger, a key supplier of uranium to the EU.
Key objectives of the event included examining how political crises and growing Russian influence might disrupt energy supply chains and international cooperation, identifying policy options to address these challenges, and exploring the role of renewable energy technologies in mitigating future supply chain disruptions.
Esteemed speakers Dr. Antony Otieno Ong’ayo from the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) and Ron Keller, former Ambassador to Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, and China, enriched the dialogue with their nuanced perspectives. Mojisola Ogundiran, YES-DC President expressed “Being an African myself, I am touched by the political situations unfolding in the continent. I believe that it is a wake-up call for Africa and Europe to re-evaluate their relations to become more mutually beneficial because the negative sentiments are fueled by feelings of neo-colonialism”
The event provided a platform for robust discussions on forging renewed energy diplomacy amidst political instability and the increasing influence of Russia in Africa.
#Politics #Diplomacy #Africa #Europe #Energy
