Regional Democracy, Governance and Rule of Law Program

Babikire Lobela Carine

BABIKIRE LOBELA Carine is a peacebuilder and youth leader from the Democratic
Republic of Congo, holding a Master’s degree in International Cooperation for Peoples’
Development. Her work focuses on governance, regional integration, gender equality,
environmental sustainability, and democratic processes in fragile contexts.
She served as an intern at the Delegation of the European Union to the Democratic Republic
of Congo, where she gained hands on experience in diplomatic engagement, development
cooperation frameworks, and multilateral policy processes. This role strengthened her
understanding of international partnerships and institutional governance mechanisms.
Carine is the National Coordinator of Equigreen for Peace, a local non-profit organization
dedicated to promoting gender equality, environmental protection, and peaceful coexistence.
Through her leadership, she advances community driven initiatives that connect climate
action, women’s empowerment, and conflict prevention.
She also serves as the EAC Deputy Youth Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo,
advocating for meaningful youth participation in regional integration, peacebuilding, and
sustainable development across the East African Community.
In addition, she has contributed to democratic governance as an Electoral Observer with
ECCAS (CEEAC), supporting electoral transparency and accountability processes in Central
Africa.
Her work sits at the intersection of diplomacy, civic engagement, environmental justice, and
regional peacebuilding, with a strong commitment to African led solutions to governance and
security challenges.

Ivy Ndungu

Academic qualifications:

Bachelor of Arts in International Studies- Strathmore University
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Law- Universidad de Navarra

Areas of Interest:
Democratic Governance
Regional security
Mixed migration dynamics
Intersection of Climate change and Conflict in the Horn of Africa

Prof. Mesenbet 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