Mustafa Y. Ali, Ph.D.

Dr. Mustafa Yusuf Ali is the Director of Arigatou International – Nairobi and the Secretary General of the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC), a global network active in 50 countries. He previously served as the Secretary General of the African Council of Religious Leaders and Africa Representative of Religions for Peace International. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in International Relations and Sociology from University of Portsmouth, Britain; Master of Arts in Diplomacy and International Studies from University of Nairobi (Kenya); and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Sciences from Moi University (Kenya).

Dr. Mustafa has been working to build peaceful, just and harmonious societies and promoting peaceful coexistence between faiths and communities around the world for more than two decades. Together with religious leaders and multi-lateral institutions including the African Union and the United Nations, governments and partners, Dr. Mustafa has been involved extensively in finding ways to peacefully and sustainably address some of the most intractable conflicts in the most challenging countries and locations in Africa including Nigeria, Libya, Somalia, Burundi and others.

He is a recipient of the 2012 Coexist International Peace Prize which was awarded to him in New York, USA, to honor his action-oriented work and leadership in interfaith relations and dialogue, as well as conflict transformation in Africa. A panel of judges, including former Ireland President Mary Robinson, Egypt Grand Mufti Sheikh Ali Gomaa, Rabbi David Rosen and others voted him for ‘his vision and courage in mobilizing religious and faith leaders in transforming difficult and challenging conflicts in many parts of Africa’. He is the author of Globalization of Terrorism: From Sicariis, Assassins to ISIS.

Dr. Mustafa is the Co-founder and Chairman of the HORN International Institute for Strategic Studies.

Rev. Samuel Kobia, Ph.D.

Reverend Dr. Samuel Kobia is a Chairman, National Cohesion and Integration Commission in the Executive Office of the President. He is the first African to be elected General Secretary of the World Council of Churches (a worldwide fellowship representing more than 590 million Christians). He was appointed the All Africa Conference of Churches Ecumenical Special Envoy in 2010.

He is a Professor (honorary) of University of Buenos Aires (Argentina’s oldest university). He holds aDoctor of Divinity (honorary) from Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, 1993 (USA), and Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies from Fairfax University, Louisiana, 2003 (USA). He holds a Master of Artsin City Planning from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA), a diploma in Urban Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary (USA), anda Bachelor of Arts in Theology from St. Paul’s United Theological College (Kenya).

Among his many social, political and ecumenical involvements, in 1992,Dr. Kobia chaired Kenya’s National Election Monitoring Unit, chaired peace talks for Sudan in 1991, helped found the Nairobi Peace Group (1987) and the Fellowship of Councils of Churches in Eastern and Southern Africa (FOCCESA), was vice-moderator of the Commission of the WCC Programme to Combat Racism (1984-91), chaired the Frontier Internship in Mission (FIM) International Coordination Committee (1981-85), and helped reorganize the Zimbabwe Christian Council after independence (1980-81). Between 1987 and 1993, he served as the General Secretary of National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK). In recognition of his position within the ecumenical family in Kenya and beyond, Dr. Kobia was awarded the country’s National Ecumenical Award and appointed chancellor of St. Paul’s University, Limuru, Kenya, in 2007.

Dr. Kobia has written numerous papers and articles on Africa, Peace and Ecumenism. His publications reflect his vision and working experience. He is the author of Dialogue Matters: The Role of Ecumenical Diplomacy in the Run-up to the Independence of South Sudan (2013),and South Sudan: Free at Last (2011).

Mumo Nzau, Ph.D.

Dr. Mumo Nzau is a Lecturer at the Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies at the University of Nairobi (Kenya).He is a Fulbright Scholar who holds a Doctor of Philosophyand Master of Arts in Political Science, bothfrom the State University of New York at Buffalo (USA). He also holds aMaster of Artsin International Relations from United States International University – Africa (Kenya), in addition to other graduate-level training in the field of peace and conflict studies from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (Kenya).

He has been a Senior Lecturer of Political Science at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) and Adjunct Faculty at the United States International University –Africa (Kenya); as well as the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, University of Nairobi (Kenya).

Dr. Nzau has is a key resource person in the Foreign Affairs, Internal Security, and Defense dockets in Kenya. His consultancy and research specialties include national security and defense strategy, conflict resolution and management, governance and developmenton which he has numerous peer-reviewed published works in the forms of books, book chapters and journal articles.

He is the author of Transitional Justice and After: Kenya’s Experience with IDP Resettlement and Peacebuilding since the 2007/08 Post-Elections Violence(2016).

Titus Ibui, E.G.H.

Titus Ibui is the Founder and Executive Director of Bell Industries Limited. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree, anda Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. He has extensive training in sales and training, advanced marketing and management, crop protection, planning and marketing, and finance.

He has worked as a Product Marketing Manager, Technical Manager, and Technical Sales Representative at Shell International Chemical Group. He has also worked for the Ministry of Agriculture as District Land and Farm Management Officer where he trained extension officers on land management and advised the District Land Board on suitability and viability of land subdivision.

He was a Member of Board of Directors of East African Portland Cement Company in Athi River (Kenya); Member of Management Board of the Methodist Guest House Ltd.; Member of Board of Trustee, Kenya Methodist University (KEMU);Director of Blue Waters Resort, Diani;Chairman of the Kenya Leather Development Council Board; and Council Member, China Africa Friendship Association – Kenya chapter.

He is a member of three professional associations: British Institute of Management (MBIM), Kenya Institute of Management (MKIM), and Marketing Society of Kenya (MMSK).

Ambassador Yusuf Abdulrahman Nzibo, Ph.D., E.B.S., O.G.W.

Ambassador Yusuf Abdulrahman Nzibo is the former National Chairman of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM)– an umbrella body that represents the interests and aspirations of the Muslim community in Kenya. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Latin American Studies and a Master of Philosophy, both from the University Glasgow (Scotland);a Master of Business Administration from Strayer College (United States); and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in History and Politics from the University of Nairobi (Kenya).

He served as a Commissioner of both the Interim Independent Electoral Commission (2009-2011) and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Kenya (November 2011 to January 2017). He was a Lecturer at the University of Nairobi for 10 years where he taught Latin American, Kenyan, and the History of Political Ideas. He has published several articles in local and international journals. He has specialized in the history of the spread of Islam into the interior of Kenya during the colonial period.

In 2006, he spearheaded the setting up of the first Islamic bank in Kenya (Gulf African Bank Limited) borrowing heavily on the knowledge he acquired from visiting several Islamic banks in both Dubai and Bahrain and the Meezan Bank of Pakistan. Prior to this, he served as the Commissioner General of the Kenya Revenue Authority (1996 – 1998); Kenya’s Ambassador to the Netherlands covering Slovak and the Czech Republics (1998-2000); a non-resident Ambassador to Mexico and the Republic of Colombia (2000 – 2004); and to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait (2004 – 2006).

H.E. Erastus Mwencha, E.G.H., M.B.S.

Ambassador Erastus Mwencha is the immediate former Vice Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). He was elected to this position in January 2008 by the Heads of State and Government of the 54 Member States of the African Union, and re-elected to the same position in July 2012. Prior to his election at the AUC, he worked at Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) for over 25 years, and served as its Secretary General for 10 years.

Amb. Mwencha contributed to the transformation of the regional body into a viable economic integration entity, with the largest free trade area (FTA) in Africa. He was particularly instrumental in contributing to the expansion of intra-COMESA trade, developing programs for private sector cooperation and trade with the rest of world, spearheading regional hard and soft infrastructure programs in transport, communication, and energy. He also developed the continental negotiating position for the Doha Round of Negotiations of the World Trade Organization, Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs), African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and actively supported the programs to integrate women in development.

Amb. Mwencha has also held several senior roles within the Ministry of Industry in Kenya.

Mustafa Y. Ali, Ph.D.

Dr. Mustafa Yusuf Ali is the Director of Arigatou International – Nairobi and the Secretary General of the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC), a global network active in 50 countries. He previously served as the Secretary General of the African Council of Religious Leaders and Africa Representative of Religions for Peace International. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in International Relations and Sociology from University of Portsmouth, Britain; Master of Arts in Diplomacy and International Studies from University of Nairobi (Kenya); and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Sciences from Moi University (Kenya).

Dr. Mustafa has been working to build peaceful, just and harmonious societies and promoting peaceful coexistence between faiths and communities around the world for more than two decades. Together with religious leaders and multi-lateral institutions including the African Union and the United Nations, governments and partners, Dr. Mustafa has been involved extensively in finding ways to peacefully and sustainably address some of the most intractable conflicts in the most challenging countries and locations in Africa including Nigeria, Libya, Somalia, Burundi and others.

He is a recipient of the 2012 Coexist International Peace Prize which was awarded to him in New York, USA, to honor his action-oriented work and leadership in interfaith relations and dialogue, as well as conflict transformation in Africa. A panel of judges, including former Ireland President Mary Robinson, Egypt Grand Mufti Sheikh Ali Gomaa, Rabbi David Rosen and others voted him for ‘his vision and courage in mobilizing religious and faith leaders in transforming difficult and challenging conflicts in many parts of Africa’. He is the author of Globalization of Terrorism: From Sicariis, Assassins to ISIS.

Dr. Mustafa is the Co-founder and Chairman of the HORN International Institute for Strategic Studies.

Hassan Khannenje, Ph.D.

Dr. Hassan Khannenje is the Director of the HORN International Institute for Strategic Studies, a research and policy think-tank based in Nairobi Kenya that was recently ranked number 18 as a think-tank to watch in the world by the Global think tank index.

He is a Fulbright scholar who holds a PhD in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from Nova Southeastern University, Florida, USA. A Masters in Peace and Conflict Studies from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, USA, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from the University of Nairobi. He has previously worked as an Assistant professor at Wayne State University, Michigan, USA, and Council Member of Barry University, Miami.  He currently serves as a Council Member of the Technical University of Kenya.

He is a consultant with governmental and intergovernmental organizations and agencies including Kenya’s ministries of foreign affairs, and defense and interior as well as Intergovernmental Authority of Development (IGAD) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) mainly on security, diplomacy, terrorism and violent extremism. Consequently, he is regularly involved induction seminars for new diplomats in Kenya, training of diplomats from IGAD member states on subject/issue specific matters, defense attaches, and security officers on relevant subject matters.

Dr. Khannenje is an author and practitioner specializing in geopolitics, defense and security, diplomacy and foreign affairs, peace and security, terrorism and violent extremism whose work has contributed to books and book chapters, peer reviewed articles and opinion pieces in regional and international publications and print media.

He an expert analyst and a regular contributor with various local and international media houses that include BBC, VOA, TRT, CGTN, SABC, Al Jazeera, ZDF, ARD, CFI, News Central, Russia Today, CNN, Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation, Spanish News, Le Monde, New York Times, Daily Nation and the East African, NTV, KBC, Tv47, Citizen, and KTN among others on issues of geopolitics, terrorism, security, diplomacy, and foreign relations.

Sheikh Ramadhan Aula

Sheikh Ramadhan Aula Juma is an expert in Islamic law, Administrator, and social and political mobilizer. He holds a Master’s degree in Religious Studies from University of Nairobi and a Bachelor’s degree in Sharia from Islamic University of Madina, Saudi Arabia. He also has a diploma in Administration from UK and holds certificates in Project Management, Communication, and Leadership.

Sheikh Ramadhan who is the current Programme Manager for BRAVE, worked as lecturer of Religious Studies (Islamic Studies) at Mt. Kenya University, and previously Lecturer University of Nairobi. He also authored learning material for beginners of Arabic Studies. He has engaged on matters of de-radicalization and wrote articles which were published in section of dailies in Kenya. He also facilitated fora that brokered peace between Akamba and Maasai communities who were in conflict over the grazing land and the livestock market.

Sheikh Ramadhan has wealth of experience in social mobilization, facilitation and training. He facilitated Intra-faith Community Dialogue Fora funded by UNDP in Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, Wajir, Mandera, Garissa, Isiolo and Marsabit. Edited the BRAVE Training Manual and Resource Guide on Narratives of Violent Extremists and Counter-Narratives. He also facilitated Inter-faith Community Dialogue Fora funded by UNDP for Coast Region and North Eastern Region. He trained BRAVE ToT on Resilience, Narratives and Counter-Narratives of the violent extremist groups in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, Wajir, Garissa, Mandera, Isiolo and West Kenya.

Trained Youth on resilience, Narratives and Counter Narratives of the Violent Extremist groups. He assisted in editing the Translated version of the Training Manual and Resource Guide into Swahili that was used for training. He worked with the Center for Study and Practice of Direct Democracy in the Youth Assembly Programme which was a platform for initiation of young people into leadership. The platforms were erected around the country (Kenya) and nurtured youth who took part in leadership positions and responsibilities where some took competitive positions and were elected in general elections. He also played an active role in the campaigns for peaceful elections where a white ribbon movement was launched symbolizing peace as a co-founder of Coalition of Youth Against Violence (COYAV). This was during Kenya’s 2002 general elections working with Ambassador Bethwel Kiplagat. He recently participated in Scoping Mission with National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) on CVE activities in Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi. He was the secretary of the team comprising of members from NCTC, NCIC, SUPKEM and UNDP

Halkano Abdi Wario, Ph.D.

Dr. Halkano Abdi Wario holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Religion (Islamic Studies) from Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS), University of Bayreuth (Germany); Master of Philosophy in Religion, and a Bachelor of Education (Arts), both from Moi University (Kenya).

Dr. Wario is a Lecturer in Religion at the Department of Philosophy, History and Religion, Egerton University. He is also a Senior Volkswagen Foundation Humanities Research Fellow at the same university with a research project that explores the nexus of religious knowledge and de-radicalization strategies in Muslim majority urban spaces in Kenya.

His research interests include Mediation and Mediatization of Religious Knowledge; Religious Transnationalism; Religion and Spatiality; Religion and Security; Islamic Reformism in East Africa; Emerging Trends in Islamic Law in Africa; and Dynamics of Countering Violent Extremism in the Horn of Africa.

Roselyne Omondi

Academic Qualifications

• Erasmus Mundus Master of Arts in Journalism, Media and Globalisation from Aarhus University, Danish School of Media and Journalism (DMJX), (Denmark) and Swansea University (United Kingdom)
• Erasmus Mundus Master of Arts in International Humanitarian Action from Rijksuniveriteit, Netherlands.
• Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Sociology from Kenyatta University, Kenya.
• Postgraduate Education in: Peace Research from University of Oslo and Peace Research Institute Oslo (Norway), Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism: Theory and Practice from Leiden University (The Netherlands), Advanced Grammar, Advanced Academic Writing, Research Writing, Critical Thinking, and Comprehensive Writing from Swansea University (United Kingdom); Development Policies and Children’s Rights (Finland); First Aid, Security, Safety and Survival in the Field (Germany); Basic and Advanced Security in the Field (Kenya).

Areas of Specialization

• War, Armed Conflict, and Terrorism
• Peace Research
• Migration Research
• Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methodologies
• Research Visualization (including Conflict Mapping)
• Project Management (including Proposal Writing, and M&E)
• Journalism, Media, and Communication
• Writing (Research or Academic, Journalistic, and Creative – Generalist, Specialist)
• Editing and Proofreading
• Publishing
• International Development
• Humanitarian Action
• Training (Peace and conflict, crisis communication)

Professional Membership

• Devex International Development (Devex)
• NOHA Network on Humanitarian Action
• Media Council of Kenya

Daniel Iberi

Academic Qualifications

• Master of Arts in Communication Studies from the University of Nairobi, Kenya
• Bachelor of Education (Arts) from Kenyatta University, Kenya.
• Trainer in Communication for Development

Areas of Specialization

• Information Gathering, Analysis and Report Writing
• Advanced Editing and Writing
• Online Journalism and Social Media Communication
• Development Communication
• Facilitation and Training

Professional Membership

• Public Relations Society of Kenya
• Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ)

Brig Gen (Rtd) Ahamed Mohammed, E.B.S.

Academic Qualifications

• Master of Arts in Defence Studies from Kings College, University of London
• Master of Arts in International Studies from the University of Nairobi

Areas of Specialization

• Defence and Security

Prof. Macharia Munene, Ph.D.

Overview

Professor Macharia Munene holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Diplomatic History from Ohio University (USA). He is a Lecturer at the United States International University in Nairobi (Kenya) where he teaches History and International Relations. He has also taught at the University of Nairobi (Kenya), Kenyatta University (Kenya), Moi University (Kenya), The Ohio State University (USA), Kentucky State University (USA), and Ohio University (USA). He has served as Collaborating International Faculty, Universitat Jaume-1, Castellon (Spain) and he is Professorial Affiliate of the National Defence College (Kenya).

Prof. Munene is recognized as a United Nations Expert on Decolonization, and he is rated among the Top 100 CCTV-4 commentators in the world. He is a newspaper columnist and his publications include books, edited books, book chapters, scholarly journal articles, as well as articles in popular magazines, and newspapers.

Prof. Munene is the author of Kenya: Political Testament of Nationhood (Nairobi: Fig Tree Books, History Works, 2017); Historical Reflections on Kenya: Intellectual Adventurism, Politics, and International Relations (Nairobi: University of Nairobi Press, March 2012); Politics of Transition in Kenya, 1995-1998. (Nairobi: Quest and Insight, 2001); and The Truman Administration and the Decolonization of Sub-Saharan Africa (Nairobi: Nairobi University Press, 1995).

Other books include Understanding Conflict and Its Management: Some Kenyan Perspectives (Nairobi: Centre for Conflict Research and Women and Law, 1998) with Makumi Mwagiru and Njeri Karuru; History of South Africa (Nairobi: College of Education and External Studies, University of Nairobi, 1992) with Justus B. Mugaju; and History of the United States up to the Reconstruction (Nairobi: College of Education and External Studies, University of Nairobi, 1990).

His research interests include history and international relations.

Fatuma Ahmed Ali, Ph.D.

Overview

Fatuma Ahmed Ali holds a European Doctorate with Distinction from the Universitat Jaume I, Castellón (Spain); an International Master in Peace, Conflict and Development Studies (Honors) from UNESCO Chair for Philosophy of Peace, POP-Official Postgraduate Program (Spain); Master of Philosophy (MPhil) (Honors) in “Peace, Conflict and Democracy” from Universitat Jaume I, Castellón (Spain); an International Master in Peace and Development Studies, from the MA Program of Peace and Development Studies of the Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain; and Bachelor of Arts in International Relations (Honors) with Minors in Sociology and Management from United States International University – Nairobi (Kenya).

Dr. Fatuma Ali is an Associate Professor of International Relations at the United States International University – Africa (USIU-A), Nairobi (Kenya). She is also a Visiting Faculty and an External researcher of the Interuniversity Institute for Social Development & Peace (IUDESP) of the Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain.

Her areas of specialization lie in the field of International Relations, Peace, Conflict and Development Studies, Gender, Security, Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE), Foreign Policy and Politics in the Horn of Africa. Her research interest includes Gender and Violent Extremism, Women and War, Peace Education, Peace Culture, Indigenous Conflict Transformation and Peacebuilding Models, Social Development, Feminist Theory, African-Islamic Feminism, Women´s agency, Elections, Peace Settlements, Informal institutions/actors and Migration/Displacements in the Horn of Africa, Gender/Child Protection of Refugees, Violence against Women (VAW), Gender Based Violence and Conflict Related Sexual Violence (CRSV).

Dr. Fatuma Ali is also a researcher, trainer, curriculum developer/reviewer, peer reviewer, external examiner, African-Islamic feminist, Pan-Africanist, mentor and academic activist. She has also worked as an independent consultant with International NGOs, UN agencies (UNDP, UNHCR, and UNODC), Kenyan Government, and the Commission for University Education (CUE). She has organized/co-organized several seminar series, roundtables, colloquium, and international conferences.

Recently, she was awarded the UK Research Innovation (UKRI) GCRF grant to carry out a collaborative project with Dr. Sahla Aroussi from Leeds University and Ms. Pauline Skaper from Rift Valley Institute, to develop an open, critical and interdisciplinary global network on Gender and Responding to Violent Extremism (GARVE) https://garve-network.org. She is also a recipient of the prestigious Peace Prize 2020 award of the City of Castellon (Premio Por la Paz Ciudad de Castellon), Spain for her activism against violence against women and women empowerment. She has published numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, briefs, opinion pieces, one edited and self-authored book in both English and Spanish languages.

She is also a Board member of the NGOs Coalition of Violence Against Women (COVAW), Conscious Kenya, and the Nairobi Patron of the Community-based Organisation Sisters with a Mission.

Prof. Fred Jonyo, Ph.D.

Overview

Prof. Fred Jonyo is the current Chairman, Department of Political Science and Public Administration, University of Nairobi. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science and Public Administration from Makerere University, Uganda; a Master’s Degree in International Relations from The Graduate School of International Relations (GSIR), International University of Japan (IUJ) Niigata, Japan; and a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology and Political Science from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.

He specializes in Political Economy, International Relations, Trade and Investment Policy, Security Studies. He has served under Government Appointment as a Council Member, Kenya School of Government (2015–2018). Chair, Audit and Risk Management sub – Committee of Council of Kenya School of Government.

He is an External Examiner for Maseno University, Multimedia University and University of Botswana. He has consulted for National Assembly; Center for Parliamentary Studies and Training (CPST); National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC); Defense Staff College (DSC); National Defense College (NDC); National Intelligence College (NIC); Konrad-Adenauer Stiftung, Kenya Office; Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, Kenya Office; UNDP; EU among others.

He has published extensively in journals, contributed in book Chapters, co-Authored Books and Authored Books on topical academic issues.

Prof. Aleksi Ylönen, Ph.D.

Overview

Prof. Aleksi Ylönen holds a Doctorate in International Relations and African Studies (Summa cum Laude) from the Autonomous University of Madrid (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Spain; an International Master in Peace, Conflict, and Development Studies from UNESCO Chair of Philosophy for Peace, Jaume I University (Universitat Jaume I), Castellón (Spain); and Bachelor of Arts in History with Minor in Economics (Highly Distinguished) from the College of Charleston (USA).

He has conducted research and taught Politics and International Relations extensively in Europe and Africa. Prof. Aleksi Ylönen has collaborated with various higher education and research institutions, including University Institute of Lisbon (Portugal), Jaume I University (Spain), European University of Valencia (Spain), University of Valencia (Spain), University of Hargeisa, United States International University – Africa (Kenya), Marmara University (Turkey), University of Turku (Finland), Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (Germany), University of Frankfurt (Germany), University of Bayreuth (Germany), and the School of Oriental and African Studies (the UK).

Prof. Aleksi Ylönen specializes in Politics and International Affairs in the greater Horn of Africa. His work has been published in various scholarly and non-academic outlets. Among Prof. Ylönen’s salient publications are The Horn of Africa since the 1960s (Abingdon: Routledge, 2017), edited with Dr. Jan Záhořík; On state, marginalization, and origins of rebellion (Trenton: Africa World Press, 2016); and various scholarly articles in respected Politics and International Relations, Political History, and Area Studies journals. Prof. Aleksi Ylönen engages in frequent expert commentary for research institutions and conventional and online media.

Ali M. Hadi, Ph.D.

Dr. Ali is a Senior Lecturer in Maritime Law at the University of Djibouti. He is also a researcher at the Department of Transport and Logistics at the University Technological Institute (IUT) and associate researcher at the University of Nantes at the Center for Maritime and Oceanic Law (CDMO), France. He holds a doctoral degree in Public Law, specializing in port law from the University of Nantes (France), and a Masters in Maritime Affairs Management from the Institute of Administration and Business (IAE), France. His research interests are in the areas of maritime crime, intra-regional migration in its legal aspect, violent extremism, the establishment of a legal and legal framework for ports. He has directed research theses on issues relating to labor migration, the management of the impact of migration on the Djiboutian marine environment, maritime piracy in the Gulf of Aden, and violent extremism in the IGAD region.

Suad Mustafa Elhag Musa, Ph.D.

Suad Mustafa Elhag Musa is the author of the 2019 Aidoo-Snyder Award-winning book: “Hawks and Doves in Armed Conflict in Sudan. Al-Hakkamat Baggara Women of Darfur,” published by James Curry. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Peace Studies from Bradford University (UK) focusing on women’s agency in conflict and peace and a Master of Arts in Rural Development from the University of East Anglia (UK). She has also earned Postgraduate Diplomas in Development Studies and in Social Research Methods from East Anglia and Bradford Universities (UK), respectively, and Bachelor of Science from Khartoum University. She is a co-founder and Director of the Gender Centre for Peacebuilding and Sustainable Development in El Fasher, Darfur, Sudan.

She has taught at Qatar University and Royal University of Women in Bahrain universities as assistant professor teaching several courses including sustainable development, human rights, sociology, and qualitative research. Her other thematic areas of specialization and interest include women’s political participation in democratic governance, gender issues in peacebuilding, peace negotiations, local reconciliation mechanisms and post-conflict democratic transition. She is also deeply involved in issues sexual violence and gender-based violence (SGBV), internal displacement and migration of women in the Horn of Africa. Additionally, she focuses on enhancing the leadership, innovation, aspirations, and sustainable livelihood resiliency of pastoralists, young people and civil society organizations.

Dr. Suad is a researcher who has collaborated with multiple international organizations including the United Nation Environment Program (UNEP). She has been a development practitioner in the humanitarian and development sector, working with international and national non-governmental and civil society organizations (INGOs, NGOs & CSOs). Her background includes substantial and varied experience working in humanitarian aid and integrated development in the Horn of Africa and beyond focusing on the analysis of food security situation, capacity building, strategic planning and policy and project development and evaluation. As an activist in the field of women’s and child’s rights, gender equality, violence against women and gender-based violence, and women’s security and protection, Dr. Suad has convened numerous seminars and workshops, and facilitated and led discussion groups and dialogues on peacebuilding, reconciliation, and political transformation. She is an active member in several academic and non- academic associations, such as African Feminist Initiative – USA (AFI-USA), Women Caucus- USA, and Society for the Study of Sudan and South Sudan -UK (SSSUK).

Dr. Suad’s research interests encompass women and political authority in the Horn of Africa and West Africa; gender issues in conflict and in indigenous and modern negotiation mechanisms and justice; gender analysis of conflict and internal displacement; women and youth in peacebuilding and post-conflict democratic transition; climate change and sustainable development; African women, culture, religion, and social change across intersectional identities, among many other topics.  Her work has been published in various academic and non-academic outlets, including articles in Arabic in e-magazines. Earlier this year (2024), she published a novel in Arabic titled: laana fi jawof al-waadi (a curse in the belly of a valley).

Dr. Shazia Chaudhry, Ph.D.

Dr. Shazia Chaudhry is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Diplomacy and International Studies (DDIS), Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Nairobi, Kenya. She is also an associate at the Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation at the same institution.

Dr. Chaudhry earned her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Physics from the University of the Punjab, Pakistan, and later obtained both her MA and Ph.D. in International Studies from the University of Nairobi. Her doctoral research delved into the impacts of climate change, specifically examining anthropogenic factors and their effects on human security in Africa, with a particular focus on the Mau Forest Complex (1963-2012).

Her research interests are broad, encompassing climate change governance, global security issues, environmental conflicts, and environmental diplomacy. Dr. Chaudhry has contributed significantly to the field through numerous book chapters, articles, and research papers, often addressing the implications of human-induced climate change on vulnerable communities reliant on their environment.

Beyond her academic achievements, Dr. Chaudhry is deeply committed to improving the welfare of underprivileged and vulnerable members of society, reflecting her dedication to both scholarly inquiry and social impact.

Winnie Rugutt

Winnie Rugutt is a lecturer at the Department of Diplomacy and International Studies (DDIS) at the University of Nairobi, Kenya. Her academic focus is on the International Relations of African States. In addition to her teaching role, she leads the Africa Center for the Study of the United States (ACSUS) at the University of Nairobi, providing strategic direction and overseeing its daily operations. ACSUS-Nairobi is dedicated to fostering intellectual and cultural exchanges that enhance the understanding of Africa-U.S. relations. Previously, she served as the Academic Program Coordinator at the National Defense College and Defense Staff College in Kenya.

Mariah Faridah Muli

Mariah Faridah Muli is a researcher and policy associate at The HORN International Institute for Strategic Studies, Ms. Muli has contributed significantly to policy analysis, strategic research, and publications on key geopolitical issues such as global peace and security, conflict resolution, women advocacy and diplomacy. She has authored numerous publications, including policy briefs reports and peer-reviewed articles and regularly represents the institute at international conferences and high-level discussions on the Horn of Africa and broader global security dynamics.

She is also a Doctoral Student and Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Nairobi’s, Department of Diplomacy and International Studies. She holds a Master’s degree in Diplomacy and International Relations from University of Nairobi. With over 8 years of experience in international relations, security policy, and governance, she specializes in global security, conflict resolution, diplomacy, international law and gender justice. Ms. Muli is committed to advancing research that fosters security, peacebuilding, governance, diplomacy, women advocacy and sustainable development.

Her work is deeply committed to advancing research that promotes peacebuilding, security, governance and sustainable development. She seeks to bridge the gap between academia and policy, making invaluable contributions to the fields of diplomacy, international relations, and women’s empowerment. Through her research and advocacy, Ms. Muli strives to foster a more just and peaceful global community.

Prof. Mansebet Assefa

Prof. Mansenbet has extensive experience in international law, security and conflict studies comparative constitutional law, African Union Law, criminal law, business law, human rights and the Geopolitics of the Horn. Mesenbet has published numerous international and local journals. He has presented his research findings in leading centers of excellence including Yale School of Law, London School of Economics, University of Pretoria and University of Seville. His particular research interests include development, Security/counter terrorism, violent extremism, human rights, constitutional law and freedom of expression. Mesenbet has served in numerous positions including as Head of the School of Law Addis Ababa University, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies of Addis Ababa University School of Law and Director of Mekelle University Human Rights Centre. Mesenbet has also extensive experience in consulting governmental, inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations at various levels. Currently, he also serves as a committee member in the National Legal Reform Council of Ethiopia.

Area of Expertise

Security and Conflict Studies

International laws

Counter terrorism and violent extremism

Laurence Jost

Academic Qualifications 

• B.A. Sociology & Political Science / Reserve NCO

Area Specilization 

• Defence and Security

• Member of the German academic association for security studies (BSH)

Evans Ombisa

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts in Technology (Design) from Technical University of Kenya, Kenya
• Professional Counselling

Areas of Specialization

• Publishing
• Graphic Design
• Advertising and Publishing
• Branding

Edmond J. Pamba

Academic Qualification

• Bachelor of Arts in Diplomacy and International Studies, Maseno University (Kenya)
• Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy, Mount Kenya University (Kenya) (Ongoing)

Areas of Interests

• International Security
• Terrorism
• Foreign Policy
• Geopolitics

Raudhat Sayeeda Saddam

Academic Qualification

• Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Strathmore University

Areas of Interests

• International Development and Policy
• Community Development
• Conflict Resolution

Janice Sanya

Academic Qualification

• Bachelor of Arts in Diplomacy and International Studies from the University of Nairobi

Areas of Interests

• Diplomacy and Foreign Relations
• Policy Analysis and Strategic Thinking
• Food Security
• Regionalism and World Politics
• Politics of Aid and Development

Current Projects

• Day of Prayer and Action for Children (DPAC)
• Lenga Ugaidi na Talanta
• Diminishing the Prevalence of Radicalization into Violent Extremism (D-PRIVE)

Asia M. Yusuf

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts in Diplomacy and International Studies from University of Nairobi, Kenya

Areas of Specialization

• International Relations
• Terrorism
• Social Media Communication
• Public Relations
• Media

Elizabeth Radina

Academic Qualification:

Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Strathmore University

Areas of Specialization:

International Relations

Partnerships

Peace and Security

Public Relations

Shariff Nasir

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor of Business Management(Islamic Banking and Finance Option) from UMMA University, Kenya (Ongoing)

Areas of Specialization

• Islamic Banking and Finance
• Islamic economic Thoughts
• Financial Accounting
• Business Management(Administration)
• Tax Accounting
• Cost Accounting

Ismail O. Owino

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting),KCA University (Kenya)
• Certified Public Accountant of Kenya(CPA,K)

Areas of Expertise

• Financial Accounting
• Auditing & Investigations
• Taxation
• IFRS

Kalla Abudo

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor in Business Management (human resource option)

Areas of Specialization

• Human Resource Management

Bravin Onditi

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy from Zetech University, Kenya
• Certificate on Gender Inclusivity in Peacebuilding from the United States Institute of Peace
• Certificate on Protection and Assistance for Migrants Vulnerable to Violence Exploitation and Abuse from IOM – UN Migration

Areas of Interest

• Research
• Conflict Resolution
• Foreign Policy
• Peacekeeping Operations

Husna Maalim

Academic Qualification

• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Sociology, and a minor in Arabic (Ongoing) – University of Nairobi

Areas of  Interests 

• Political Development
• Political Systems and Regimes
• Design
• Photography

Jeremy Oronje

Academic Qualifications

• B.A in International Relations from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa

Area of interest

•  Conflict Analysis
•  ⁠Conflict Resolution
• Governance and Statecraft

Jakob Dehner

Madighan Ryan

Academic Qualifications 

• Ongoing: MA (Honors) International Relations at the University of St. Andrews (Scotland)
• Credits from New York University Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute

Areas of Specialization

• Organized Crime and Terrorist Financing
• African Union Peace and Security Council
• Terrorism
• International Law

Raissa Umunyana

• Bachelor of Arts in International Relations with a minor in Environmental Studies – United States International University

Areas of Specialization 

• Peace building & Conflict resolution
• Climate change & sustainable development policy
• Policy analysis and development
• Migration & displacement