On November 18th, 2023 Executive Director Ted van Baarda attended, as an invited speaker, the inaugural meeting of a new branch of the ISME family, namely AfroISME.
On November 18th, 2023 Executive Director Ted van Baarda attended, as an invited speaker, the inaugural meeting of a new branch of the ISME family, namely AfroISME. The aim of AfroISME is basically the same as that of the other ISME chapters, namely to promote knowledge about military ethics, to promote dialogue and study on military ethics and to engage with military academies, while retaining political neutrality. In attendance were people from various African countries, ranging from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, The Gambia, Senegal to Ethiopia.
The inaugural session began with an introduction into military ethics by AfroISME’s convenor, Prof.Dr. Ibanga Ikpe. Subsequently, Ted van Baarda spoke about the history of the ISME family, how it began in 1979-1980 in North America, to be followed by the establishment of EuroISME in 2011. He also offered a number of pointers for success when establishing a branch of ISME. Both presentations were followed by a congenial though incisive discussion about military ethics in Africa. A clear consensus emerged among the participants that AfroISME could become very useful in Africa.
AfroISME has established its own website https://www.afroisme.org/ and it is planning a virtual lecture series, beginning in January.