WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS) opened its African Defense Attaché (ADATT) Seminar

at the National Defense University on Monday, February 11, 2013. Attendees of the five-day seminar include almost 20 D.C.-based African defense attachés and embassy personnel from 15 African countries, most of whom are responsible for defense and security issues.

The ADATT Seminar is an opportunity for the Africa Center to connect African Attachés with U.S. government policy makers and stakeholders who shape U.S. relations with Africa, Acting Director of ACSS Michael Garrison told participants during the opening ceremony.

“But most importantly,” he added, “it is an opportunity for us to initiate a dialogue among you, a very important part of the Africa Center’s mission.”

Participants were scheduled to attend presentations by subject-matter experts and U.S. officials, as well as visit the U.S. Congress, the Department of State, and the Pentagon.

“I hope that the week-long gathering will provide you with a better sense of the U.S. government’s organization and policy on security issues,” said Dr. Monde Muyangwa, Dean of Academic Affairs at the Africa Center, in her opening remarks. “I also hope that you will see ACSS as a partner at the end of this program.”

She added that the Center is committed to work with its African partners and facilitate dialogue between African leaders in the security sector and their U.S. government counterparts. “The African Center does not shape policies,” Dr. Muyangwa said, “but we can convey your concerns to those who do.”

View Photos of the Event

ACSS is the pre-eminent institution for strategic security studies, research, and outreach in Africa. The Africa Center engages African partner states and institutions through rigorous academic and outreach programs that build strategic capacity and foster long-term, collaborative relationships. Over the past 14 years, more than 6,000 African and international leaders have participated in more than 200 ACSS programs.