The Legon Centre for International Affairs and Diplomacy (LECIAD), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Czech Republic and the Czech Institute Afripoli, convened a high-level dialogue on the theme “Security is Borderless: How Africa and Europe’s Security are Connected.” Chaired by Prof. Peter Quartey, Acting Director of LECIAD, the discussion featured presentations from Dr. Afua Boatemaa Yakohene and Dr Ken Ahorsu (both of LECIAD), Mr Vojtech Bílý of the Czech Institute Afripoli, and Mr Kent Mensah, a Ghanaian journalist well versed in security issues. The session was moderated by Mr Matěj Denk, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Czech Republic.
Prof. Quartey set the tone by emphasising the interdependence of Africa and Europe in tackling emerging and persistent threats.
“Should we operate our security systems in silos, or should we care about what’s happening across Europe and not just remain inward?” he asked. “What we discuss here today will benefit our country, our continent, and indeed the rest of the world.”
Borderless security in a globalised World
Dr Afua Boatemaa Yakohene highlighted how the erosion of traditional borders through globalisation has made security challenges increasingly transnational.
“As states grow more interconnected, the security concerns of one country often spill over its borders and challenge the security of other states,” she said.
She noted the increase in threats such as terrorism, organised crime, irregular migration, and climate-induced instability that cannot be confined within national boundaries, drawing parallels between the impact of the World Wars, the Russo–Ukraine conflict, and current crises in the West African Sahel.
Understanding security through identity and power
Dr. Ken Ahorsu examined Africa–Europe security relations through the lens of ontological security theory, which links state behaviour to identity, history, and self-perception. He argued that structural inequalities and the absence of a unified African identity continue to undermine Africa’s agency.
“Europe projects its norms and values globally, compelling others to conform, while Africa struggles with fragmented agency. This creates a hierarchy that sustains Africa’s marginal position in security relations,” Dr. Ahorsu noted.
Russia’s growing influence in Africa
Mr. Vojtech Bílý turned attention to the geostrategic implications of the Russo–Ukraine war, underscoring how Russia is using Africa as leverage in its confrontation with Europe and NATO.
“Africa is not a neutral ground. Russia is trying to use the continent as a pawn in its wider geopolitical game. The EU must learn to be a good neighbour, while Africa must strengthen its institutions and resilience,” he cautioned.
Firsthand insights from Ukraine
The expert presentations were followed by a spirited panel discussion and question-and-answer session, where participants probed issues such as migration governance, cyber threats, violent extremism, and the role of African states in shaping equitable partnerships with Europe.
In closing, the panel reiterated the urgency of moving beyond siloed approaches to security, advocating deeper collaboration between Africa and Europe in building resilient societies.
The dialogue took place on 1 September 2025 at the ISSER Conference Centre, University of Ghana. A livestream of the event can be accessed here.
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