Practical information
Themes and regions
Related centers and programs
This conference will explore the major evolutions of the religious landscape in Central and East Africa. We will discuss the mutations observable in the Christian and Muslim worlds, the relations between religion and politics, and the development of various forms of radicalism, whether rhetorical, exacerbating social conservatism, or fueling and/or combining with violent challenges to the powers that be. These dynamics will be examined at local, national and transnational levels.
This conference will take place in English with simultaneous translation and in hybrid format (in-person at Ifri, and online).
All times are listed in Paris time (CEST).
PROGRAM
1.30-3.00 PM
Panel 1 : Religious and political entanglements
- Hervé Maupeu, Author, Lecturer in political science
- Laurent Larcher, Journalist, La Croix
- Rodolphe Gozegba de Bombémbé, PhD in Theology, Founder of the A9 Association
- François Gaulme, Associate Researcher, Sub-Saharan Africa Centre, Ifri
Chair : Thierry Vircoulon, Associate Researcher, Sub-Saharan Africa Centre, Ifri
3.00-3.30 PM
Coffee break
3.30-5.00 PM
Panel 2 : Evolution of the religious landscape and radicalism
- Damaris Parsitau, Lecturer in Philosophy, History and Religious studies, Egerton University (Kenya)
- Halkano Abdikadir Abdi Wario, Lecturer in Religious Studies, Egerton University (Kenya)
- Fathima Azmiya Badurdeen, PhD in Social Sciences, University of Mombasa (Kenya)
- Moussa Bobbo, PhD in History, Specialist in security, Defense and Strategy issues
Modération : Chloé Josse-Durand, PhD in Political Science, Associate Researcher, Ifra Nairobi
This conference is organized within the framework of the Observatoire de l'Afrique de l'Est et centrale, in collaboration with Ifra Nairobi for the Direction générale des relations internationales et de la stratégie (DGRIS) of the French Ministry of Defence.
Related Subjects
Other events
France-Ukraine Forum 2026
More than four and a half years after the start of the full-scale war launched by Russia against Ukraine, the 2026 France-Ukraine Forum will bring together policymakers, experts, academics, and civil society representatives from both countries to discuss three main topics: the formats and conditions for a lasting diplomatic settlement; Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration, encompassing both the EU accession process and closer ties with NATO; and the societal transformations of postwar Ukraine, as well as its prospects for reconstruction.
The EU in a World of Economic Warfare: Trade, Geopolitics, and the Battle for Economic Sovereignty
The international trading system has become a primary theatre of geopolitical competition. Tariffs, sanctions, and technology controls have replaced dialogue as the default instruments of economic relations.
The Road to 27 Electrification Action Plans: Planning and Investing in Europe’s Electric Future
The European Commission’s Electrification Action Plan places the continent on an electric path to structurally reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports and boost the energy transition in industry, transport and buildings.