H.E. Dr. Ali Maalim Mohamud: Water, Power and Borders

H.E. Dr. Ali Maalim Mohamud: Water, Power and Borders

What happens when water becomes a security issue and a border town becomes the gateway to the Horn of Africa? In this episode of Panel 54, Waweru Njoroge sits down with Dr. H.E. Dr. Ali Maalim Mohamud, the Deputy Governor in County of Mandera, Kenya who also a distinguished environment and public health policy expert, to examine Mandera’s strategic role at the edge of Kenya, Somalia, Somaliland and Ethiopia, and why the region may become one of the most important entry points into the Horn of Africa. From water scarcity and climate pressure to cross-border trade, infrastructure, energy, diplomacy and security, this conversation explores why Mandera cannot be understood as a remote frontier. It is a regional gateway sitting at the intersection of trade, migration, geopolitics and development. Dr. Ali argues that water is not only a development issue. It is also a peace, cohesion and security issue. When communities compete over scarce water sources, local tensions can quickly become wider conflicts. The episode also examines the Dawa Dam project, a major transboundary water and infrastructure opportunity involving Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia. Dr. Ali explains how the project could transform irrigation, energy, agriculture, livestock, trade and regional connectivity across the Horn of Africa. The discussion also looks at the role of international partnerships, including possible cooperation with American institutions, investors and development partners. The focus is on locally owned projects that bring long-term value through infrastructure, climate resilience, water security and regional economic growth. At its core, this is a conversation about water, borders, leadership and the future of the Horn of Africa. Lagos to Lamu. Cape Town to Cairo. This is Panel 54, a global perspective through an African lens. 📩 Contact: ⁠⁠hello@panel54pod.com⁠⁠ [hello@panel54pod.com] 🔔 Subscribe: ⁠⁠http://linktree.com/panel54pod⁠⁠ [http://linktree.com/panel54pod] 🎙 Recorded in Africa 🎧 Produced by Commex Africa and E & C Talent ❗️Disclaimer: Views expressed are solely those of the guest/s, and not the podcast producers.

Cpt. (Rtd.) Luqman Gidado, PhD: Nigeria’s Insecurity Economy

What happens when insecurity becomes an economy and crime turns into a business model? In this episode of Panel 54, Waweru Njoroge sits down with Dr. Capt. Lukman Gidado to examine Nigeria’s security crisis, the rise of violent criminal groups, and the systems that allow insecurity to survive. From banditry and kidnapping for ransom to terrorism, weak local governance, arms trafficking and poor intelligence gathering, this conversation explores why Nigeria’s security challenge cannot be solved by military force alone. Dr. Capt. Gidado argues that crime is local, insecurity is local, and any serious response must begin with communities, local government, human intelligence and stronger coordination between security agencies,. The episode also looks at insecurity as a business, asking who benefits when ransom payments, fear and violence become part of the economy. It examines how weak institutions, ungoverned spaces and limited state presence create room for criminal networks to grow. A sharp discussion on Nigeria’s insecurity economy, violent crime, local governance, military strategy and the future of national security. Lagos to Lamu. Cape Town to Cairo. This is Panel 54, a global perspective through an African lens.   📩 Contact: ⁠hello@panel54pod.com⁠ [hello@panel54pod.com] 🔔 Subscribe: ⁠http://linktree.com/panel54pod⁠ [http://linktree.com/panel54pod] 🎙 Recorded in Africa 🎧 Produced by Commex Africa and E & C Talent ❗️Disclaimer: Views expressed are solely those of the guest/s, and not the podcast producers.

David Meshioye - Nigeria & US, Strengthening W. African Security

What happens when insecurity becomes normalised and institutions struggle to keep pace with increasingly organised threats? In this episode of Panel 54, Waweru Njoroge sits down with David Meshioye, Nigerian journalist and editor, to examine Nigeria’s security challenges and the case for stronger cooperation between the United States and African states. From banditry and kidnapping to terrorism, corruption, weak intelligence systems and cross-border weapons flows, the conversation explores why insecurity cannot be treated as an isolated military issue. It affects agriculture, investment, mobility and public trust. David argues that stronger US-Africa cooperation should focus on intelligence sharing, surveillance, drone technology, military training and the strengthening of local institutions. The goal is not to replace African forces, but to equip African states with the capabilities needed to address their own security priorities. Lagos to Lamu. Cape Town to Cairo.This is Panel 54, a global perspective through an African lens. 📩 Contact: hello@panel54pod.com 🔔 Subscribe: http://linktree.com/panel54pod 🎙 Recorded in Africa 🎧 Produced by Commex Africa and E & C Talent

Fidel Owusu - Coups, Chaos, Conflict

What happens when terrorism, coups, organised crime, and geopolitical competition collide in one of the world's most volatile regions? In this episode of Panel 54, Waweru Njoroge sits down with Fidel Amakye Owusu, Ghanaian geopolitical and security analyst, to unpack the rapidly evolving security landscape across the Sahel and West Africa. From military coups and extremist violence to foreign security partnerships and regional instability, this conversation explores why the security crisis in the Sahel is no longer a local problem but a challenge with continental and global implications. Fidel argues that the region faces a dangerous convergence of weak governance, transnational terrorist networks, illicit economies, and growing geopolitical competition. The discussion examines the future of ECOWAS, the impact of military-led governments, and the difficult balance between regime survival and national security. The episode also explores the role of international partnerships, including security cooperation with the United States, intelligence sharing, military training, and counterterrorism operations. Fidel discusses how regional governments can strengthen their capabilities while maintaining ownership of their security priorities. Beyond conflict, the conversation examines resource extraction, illegal mining, environmental degradation, and how economic pressures continue to shape security outcomes across West Africa. At its core, this is a conversation about power, stability, and the difficult choices facing governments confronted by overlapping security threats. A sharp, grounded discussion on terrorism, regional cooperation, security partnerships, and the future of West Africa. Lagos to Lamu. Cape Town to Cairo. This is Panel 54 a global perspective through an African lens. 📩 Contact: hello@panel54pod.com [hello@panel54pod.com] 🔔 Subscribe: http://linktree.com/panel54pod [http://linktree.com/panel54pod] 🎙 Recorded in Africa 🎧 Produced by Commex Africa and E & C Talent

Brig - Gen Kapeh Alwali Kazir (Rtd) - Securing Nigeria.

What does it take to build peace when conflict is never far away? In this episode of Panel 54, Waweru Njoroge sits down with Brigadier General Kapeh Alwali Kazir (Rtd), former Nigerian Army officer, peacekeeper, and security strategist, to discuss leadership, diplomacy, defence cooperation, and Africa’s evolving security challenges. Drawing on service across Nigeria, peacekeeping experience in Darfur, and strategic studies at the United States Army War College, General Keziah reflects on the responsibility of military leadership and the fragile architecture of peace. The conversation moves from Nigeria’s security pressures to instability across the Sahel, exploring why insurgency, banditry, governance failure, intelligence, and public trust cannot be solved by force alone. It also highlights the value of regional cooperation and international partnerships, including security collaboration with the United States, in strengthening professional military education, strategic planning, and collective security. A grounded discussion on military history, diplomacy, defence cooperation, and the difficult work of sustaining peace. Lagos to Lamu. Cape Town to Cairo. This is Panel 54 a global perspective through an African lens.   📩 Contact: hello@panel54pod.com 🔔 Subscribe: http://linktree.com/panel54pod 🎙 Recorded in Africa 🎧 Produced by Commex Africa and E & C Talent