We are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Steven Gruzd, a champion of good governance and a valued APRM partner.
On behalf of @APRM_MarieRose and the APRM family, we extend heartfelt condolences to his family & the @SAIIA_info community.
His legacy will endure. RIP.
It is with great sorrow that we announce the untimely passing of Steven Gruzd, Head of the African Governance and Diplomacy Programme at SAIIA.
An integral part of the Institute, Steve was known for his unwavering dedication to his work and his commitment to the policy community in Africa. We will miss his brilliant mind, his deep camaraderie and his gentle spirit. His absence leaves a significant void at SAIIA and across the continent he served so passionately. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Steve’s family, friends and all those who had the pleasure of working alongside him. May his soul rest in peace. 🕊️
Africa has lost a Great Mind in Democratic Governance n #APRM Champion
Condolences to the Family n remain Hopefully his killers will face full Justice
Praying for Comfort n Strength to Laura n the Girls
Addis Ababa is ready to host upcoming AU meetings: Executive Council (11–12 Feb), Italy–Africa Summit (13 Feb), and AU Summit (14–15 Feb 2026), reinforcing its role as Africa’s diplomatic capital. The city also prepares to host #COP32 in 2027. #AUSummit#AddisAbaba
As the African Union turns water into a flagship Agenda 2063 priority, it faces a defining question: can Africa’s shared rivers be governed as continental public goods—platforms for power, integration, and stability—rather than as sources of zero-sum rivalry, with the GERD emerging as a practical anchor of a new regional power hub.
This article maps out how the AU can institutionalize this shift, using transboundary water governance—and the Nile experience in particular—to defuse tensions and convert shared waters into engines of cooperation and growth.
Find the full analysis here: https://t.co/mEsm7qouVH
Addis Ababa’s preparations for the 39th African Union (#AU) Summit signal more than aesthetic renewal—they project readiness, confidence, and continental leadership.
Upgraded infrastructure and restored heritage sites underscore #Ethiopia’s intent to match diplomatic ambition with visible transformation. Beyond hosting a summit, the effort reinforces Addis Ababa’s status as Africa’s diplomatic capital and a long-term convening hub in a shifting global order.
Read the full article here: https://t.co/zjw8kmwKVp
Targeted Review on youth issues follows H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto @WilliamsRuto, formal request to the African Union for an objective assessment of youth issues, particularly in the context of youth led civic engagements and the evolving role of young people in governance, economic development, and digital activism.
#TargetedReview #YouthIssues
@Planning_Ke@APRMorg@StateHouseKenya@KeTreasury
The Principal Secretary Economic Planning @Planning_Ke , Dr. Bonface Barasa Makokha @BonifaceBMakokha today hosted the CEO @APRMorg Amb. Marie-Antoinette Rose @APRM_MarieRose, the Chairperson NGC @NepadAprmKenya H.E Sospeter Ojaamong @GovOjaamong and the CEO @NepadAprmKenya Amb. Dr. Samori Okwiya @ModestThinkin to discuss Kenya’s Targeted Review on Youth Issues. The discussions focus on operational readiness, technical alignment and ensuring that Targeted review on youth issues delivers actionable recommendations that strengthen youth responsive governance and inclusive growth.
#TargetedReview #YouthIssues
Engaging with the Diplomatic Corps, AUPSC, UNPBC & African/international media, we today launched the 2nd Edition of the AU Journal on Post-Conflict Reconstruction & Development (PCRD) within PCRD Week. I reiterated the significance of promoting peacebuilding through effective knowledge generation and sharing. We showcased AU’s focus on the right to development through open Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) and highlighted their relevance to rebuilding communities, lives & livelihoods, as well as the inclusion of women and youth in the peace continuum.
Day 1 of the 3rd IGAD Governance Forum will feature two insightful panels; exploring the role of oversight institutions, and Election Management Bodies in promoting peaceful transitions, accountability, and public trust across the IGAD region.
#IGAD#3rdIGF#IGAD4Peace #IGADGovernanceForum #IGADPeace #Governance #Democracy #PeaceAndSecurity
The opening session of the 3rd IGAD Governance Forum will set the stage for regional dialogue on strengthening democratic institutions as drivers of peace, security, and good governance across the IGAD region.
#IGAD#3rdIGF#IGAD4Peace#IGADGovernanceForum#IGADPeace#Governance #Democracy #PeaceAndSecurity
𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝘀 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗣/𝗖𝗩𝗘
The Centre, in collaboration with the Government of Sweden, today kicked off a three-day workshop aimed at strengthening the role of women in shaping narratives that promote peace and counter violent extremism
On behalf of Executive Secretary H.E. @DrWorkneh, Centre Director Dr Simon Nyambura welcomed participants, underscoring women’s unique potential as powerful agents of change in #PCVE efforts.
He encouraged participants to move beyond the fixation on minor differences that divide the region, and instead recognise our shared humanity and common challenges.
#Women4PCVE
A foreign embassy describing the President of its host nation as having “a rare moment of wisdom” is not only insulting, it is profoundly undiplomatic and disrespectful.
You do not get to sit in a sovereign country, enjoy its protections and courtesies, and then belittle its Head of State with backhanded and crude compliments like this. That is not diplomacy, it is shameless arrogance.
If Israel’s Embassy in South Africa genuinely respected President Cyril Ramaphosa, it would not imply that wisdom from him is “rare.”
That phrasing alone exposes the contempt behind the tweet.
A diplomatic mission of a foreign country is expected to uphold dignity, respect and restraint not this nonsense! The disrespect is just over the top!
✅ Day 1 Highlights | 3rd IGAD Governance Forum
Day 1 concluded with thought-provoking discussions on how Oversight Institutions and Election Management Bodies shape peaceful transitions, accountability, and democratic governance across the IGAD region. The day was filled with insights and commitment!
#IGAD #3rdIGF #IGAD4Peace #IGADGovernanceForum #IGADPeace #Peace #Sweden #Governance #Democracy #PeaceAndSecurity
📢 It’s a wrap!
📍 13 November 2025| Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
3rd IGAD Governance Forum: Closing Session.
The 3rd IGAD Governance Forum concludes after two days of dynamic dialogue, shared expertise, and a united commitment to strengthening democratic institutions across the IGAD region.
In his closing remarks, the Director, Commander @AbebeMuluneh highlighted that, “Strengthening democratic institutions is essential for ensuring peace and security, because they promote good governance, accountability, and the rule of law—key pillars that prevent conflict and build resilient societies.”
From parliaments and judiciaries to media, civic actors, youth, and oversight bodies, participants conveyed a clear message that inclusive and accountable institutions are the backbone of stability.
Deep appreciation to the Government of Sweden 🇸🇪 for supporting this important initiative, as well as all moderators, panellists, and participants for their valuable contributions.
#IGAD #3rdIGF #IGAD4Peace #IGADGovernanceForum #IGADPeace #Peace #Sweden #Governance #Democracy #PeaceAndSecurity
🎙️ Panel 5 | 3rd IGAD Governance Forum:
The 5th panel focused on the role of media in strengthening democratic governance in the IGAD region, highlighting the media’s contribution to transparency, accountability, and informed public engagement.
Moderated by Ms. Akon Dut, the panel brought together:
🗣️ Panellists: • Mr. Solomon Goshu – Fojo Media Institute, Ethiopia. 🇪🇹 • Dr. Abdisa Zeray – School of Journalism & Communication, Addis Ababa University. • Mr. Oyet Patrick – President, Union of South Sudan Journalists. 🇸🇸 • Mr. Khalid Ahmed – Journalist, Sudan. 🇸🇩
The discussion underscored the essential function of a free and professional media landscape in supporting democratic institutions and peacebuilding.
#IGAD #3rdIGF #IGAD4Peace #IGADGovernanceForum #IGADPeace #Peace #Sweden #Governance #Democracy #PeaceAndSecurity