On 12 March 2025 Dr Vasu Gounden, the Founder and Executive Director of ACCORD, presented to the South African Parliamentary Committee on International Relations and Cooperation. Dr Gounden’s presentation focused on conflict in the Sahel region and the effectiveness of regional mechanisms, as well as South Africa’s support of the African Union processes aimed at achieving lasting peace. Dr Gounden was the only presenter at this meeting.
In February 2025 Dr Gounden also addressed the Committee on the topic of peace, stability and security as part of their discussion on South Africa’s Foreign Policy, highlighting both advancements and challenges.
Dr Gounden is also often called upon to provide briefings on the peace and security environment on the Continent and within the SADC region to the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) as well as visiting political dignitaries from across the globe. Most recently, he met with H.E. Ambassador Bronchain, the Belgium Director for Sub-Saharan Africa and Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, during his visit to South Africa.
