Nairobi Summit Charts a New Path for Africa: National Security Must Uphold Human Rights, Say Experts

The Pan-African Conference on National Security and Human Rights, held in Nairobi, Kenya, concluded on August 19, 2025, with a strong, unified call to reimagine security across the continent placing the dignity and rights of African citizens at the center of all security frameworks.

Organized by HAKI Africa in partnership with the Open Society Foundations, the two-day conference took place at the Argyle Grand Hotel and brought together a diverse mix of participants. Delegates came from across East, West, Central, North, and Southern Africa, representing civil society organizations, human rights defenders, government institutions, youth-led movements, media, and policy circles.

The theme—“The Conflict Between National Security Obligations and Human Rights in Africa: Towards a People-Centered Security Framework”—resonated deeply, especially in light of recent civic unrest and growing authoritarian tendencies in countries like Kenya, Uganda, and Tunisia.

Security and Human Rights: Not Opposing Forces

Through a dynamic mix of expert panels, keynote speeches, personal narratives, and a memorial lecture honoring the late Kenyan human rights icon George Collins Owuor, the conference laid out a bold vision for a new security paradigm—one that protects both nations and individuals.

Dr. Joseph Wemakor, Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), described the gathering as a “pivotal moment” for the continent.

He highlighted ongoing threats to democracy, including shrinking civic space, arbitrary arrests, and the abuse of cybersecurity laws, seen from Accra to Cairo and Nairobi to Niamey.

“Security and human rights are not at odds—they are intertwined necessities,” Wemakor emphasized. “A truly secure Africa must respect the rights of its people.”

Wemakor, a globally recognized human rights champion and recipient of the UN Global Entreps Award and Africa Peace Advocate Award, called on participants to build strong coalitions and develop a unified communiqué to pressure governments toward genuine, people-first security reforms.

A Government Perspective: Reform from Within

Representing the Kenyan government, Principal Secretary Judy Pareno of the State Department for Justice, Constitutional Affairs and Human Rights—only three and a half months into her role—reinforced the message of reform and accountability.

“Security should not undermine human rights,” Pareno said, cautioning that unchecked security operations risk turning into tools of oppression.

Pareno outlined the responsibilities of her department, including civic education, anti-corruption campaigns, and victim reparations. She also spotlighted recent national reforms such as:

• 100% school transition policy aimed at improving access to secondary education
• The establishment of a National Coroner Service to independently investigate unnatural deaths

Drawing on her experience as an election observer in Rwanda and her background in political party leadership, Pareno praised volunteer-driven, low-cost election models and encouraged fellow African nations to adopt and localize effective democratic practices.

“You are at home,” she told international participants warmly, expressing Kenya’s hospitality and commitment to pan-African unity.

Youth, Urbanization, and a Fragile Future

George Kegoro, Africa Director at the Open Society Foundations, presented a compelling data-driven analysis of Africa’s current demographic and political landscape.

With 70% of the continent’s population under the age of 30, and a median age of 18–19 years, Kegoro warned of the economic frustrations mounting among Africa’s young, urban, educated but unemployed citizens.

“Education promises opportunity, but too often, graduates find no jobs,” he said, linking this disillusionment to uprisings like Kenya’s recent Gen Z protests.

He criticized some governments’ dual approach of co-opting dissent on one hand, and deploying repressive tactics—including forced disappearances and violence—on the other.

Kegoro challenged the traditional narrative of security threats, saying they often emerge not from protesters in the streets, but from powerful individuals in ‘suits and ties’, whose unchecked economic and political dominance destabilizes governance.

He urged a reframing of national security through an economic and structural lens, addressing the root causes of unrest rather than merely its symptoms.

Human Security Begins with Human Dignity

For Prof. Najya Mohammed, Board Chair of HAKI Africa, the issue of security is deeply personal. Of Tunisian descent with Kenyan coastal roots, she shared a story of her elderly mother being evicted, illustrating how everyday citizens are vulnerable when institutions fail.

“Security is about capability; it’s about shielding people from harm,” she said, redefining security beyond military or police presence to include the daily realities of safety, justice, and well-being.

Prof. Mohammed also highlighted HAKI Africa’s expanding reach, noting successful community-level operations now active in Zambia and Ghana. In many areas, she said, the organization is stepping in where state services are absent or ineffective.

“We’re now handling even minor issues because people trust us,” she shared, emphasizing the importance of grassroots legitimacy in rights protection.

A Democratic Wake-Up Call

Opening the conference, Yusuf Aboubakar, Executive Director of HAKI Africa, set the tone with a sobering reflection on Africa’s democratic backsliding.

“Africa’s democracies are under threat,” he warned, pointing to judicial killings, forced disappearances, and other rights violations increasingly justified under the banner of national security.

Aboubakar called for a redefinition of national security—one that supports justice and dignity rather than undermines them.

He praised the work of his team, introduced the board leadership, and expressed optimism that the conference would serve as a launchpad for lasting reform, grounded in the principles of the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights.

Conclusion: A Call for a Continental Shift

As the conference came to a close, a sense of urgency and solidarity filled the room. With stories, data, and strategy shared, delegates left Nairobi with a renewed sense of purpose—and a shared vision for a continent where national security does not silence people, but protects them.

If the ideas championed at this gathering are taken forward—through policy, coalitions, and action—Africa could soon see a new era where transparency, accountability, justice, and dignity are the foundations of security, and where the safety of the people becomes the truest measure of a nation’s strength.