Speakers and Panelists

Faye Cuevas serves as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Headquarters, Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAFRICA) at Kelley Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany. In this role, she oversees the joint staff functions supporting more than 1,200 personnel responsible for planning and executing the command’s full spectrum of special operations activities across twenty-seven African nations. She manages an annual budget of nearly $90 million and leads several of the Command’s cross-cutting efforts, including digital innovation and strategic engagements, in support of the Commander’s priorities. A retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, Ms. Cuevas brings over two decades of operational, legal, and interagency experience. She previously served as an Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Operations Officer with Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), and SOCAFRICA, and as the Regional Intelligence Desk Officer for the Joint Chiefs of Staff Deputy Director for Africa. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Aerospace Studies from the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota and commissioned through Air Force ROTC. Ms. Cuevas is also a licensed attorney, graduating magna cum laude from Florida State University School of Law while concurrently supporting multiple special operations deployments during Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM. She has served as corporate counsel for a geospatial technology start-up and as an Assistant State Attorney in Florida, as well as Assistant Deputy General Counsel for the U.S. Department of Defense. Before returning to SOCAFRICA, Ms. Cuevas lived in Nairobi, Kenya, where she led frontline investigatory, prosecutorial, and judicial capacity-building initiatives in the conservation sector across East Africa. She currently serves as Chair of the Board for Lensational, a Kenya-based social enterprise that equips marginalized women with digital photography skills to amplify their voices through storytelling. Her work has been recognized by Forbes, Africa Business Daily, and VICE Motherboard—where she was named “Human of the Year” in 2017. In 2024, she received the Intelligence and National Security Alliance’s Joan A. Dempsey Annual Achievement Award for Leadership.

Colonel Marc-Ulrich Cropp is a senior German Army General Staff Officer with extensive leadership experience in multinational operations, strategic defence policy and Special Operations Forces (SOF) employment. Since January 2024 he has served as Executive Officer to the Special Operations Forces Advisor at SHAPE in Mons, where he leads the Office of Special Operations and provides strategic operational advice to NATO senior leadership and the command group. His responsibilities include the development of NATO Special Operations policy, scenario-based planning and coordination with NATO Headquarters, Allies and Partners.

Dana Dewey is the President of Global Defense at SMX, where he leads an enterprise exceeding $1B in mission-focused operations across the Department of Defense and national security community. With more than three decades of combined industry and military experience, he is recognized for his leadership in driving full-spectrum global mission support, C6ISR operations, multi-domain systems integration, aerospace and systems engineering, logistics, test and evaluation, strategic planning, and DoD programming. A former senior Naval Officer, Aviator, and Experimental Test Flight Officer, Dana’s career spans combat operations, major program leadership, and executive roles shaping innovation and mission readiness. Central to his approach is advancing federated data transport, automated and human-centered decision analytics, and modern mission support architectures that integrate digital transformation with expert tradecraft. He is particularly focused on operationalizing multi-modal information and delivering actionable knowledge precisely at the point of need—both tactically to deployed special operations forces and strategically across intelligence and support communities. Dana previously served as Executive Vice President at SMX, where he led delivery and growth of mission-critical requirements for Global Combatant Commands, Joint Special Operations Forces, and multiple DoD service components. Before entering industry, he served as the government F-35 Program Director and as Major Defense Acquisition Program Manager for the Navy’s E-6 strategic nuclear command, control, and communications aircraft program. A Distinguished Graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, he holds a Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy. Dana is active in the Professional Services Council and the Association of Naval Aviators. He and his wife of more than 35 years reside in Leonardtown, Maryland.

Vice Admiral Collin Green (Ret.) serves as the Head of Strategic Defense Solutions at DZYNE Technologies, where he brings nearly four decades of operational leadership, national security expertise, and strategic insight to one of the most innovative companies in autonomous defense technology. His appointment follows a distinguished 38-year career in the U.S. Navy, culminating in senior positions shaping modern special operations and joint force integration. Most recently, he served as Deputy Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and previously as Commander, Naval Special Warfare (NSW), where he led the nation’s elite maritime special operations forces through some of the most demanding periods of the Global War on Terrorism. Throughout his career, Admiral Green earned a reputation for advancing force readiness, integrating emerging technologies into complex operational environments, and developing adaptive solutions for multi-domain threats. His leadership at NSW and USSOCOM included building resilient, globally-distributed forces capable of meeting the evolving requirements of strategic competition and irregular warfare. At DZYNE, Admiral Green plays a central role in shaping company strategy across a portfolio that includes advanced counter-UAS systems, autonomous aircraft, launched effects technologies, and the ULTRA long-endurance ISR platform—capable of over three days of continuous flight. His deep understanding of special operations requirements and technology integration informs DZYNE’s efforts to deliver disruptive capabilities directly aligned with warfighter needs. DZYNE CEO Matt McCue describes him as “a rare leader with the capacity to both lead and build up those around him,” underscoring his impact on the company’s innovation trajectory. Admiral Green’s comprehensive operational background, global experience, and strategic vision will continue to guide DZYNE as it expands its role in shaping the future of autonomous defense.

Dr. Geoff Jackson teaches in the fields of international relations, military history and political science at Mount Royal University. His area of interest focuses on transnational issues related to peacebuilding, governance, conflict management, and security. His research fosters policy-driven options for a more robust, stronger, and mutually beneficial relationship between the West and Africa. Geoff is also an emeritus director with the Royal Alberta United Services Institute. He has published monographs and numerous articles in the field of strategic studies. Geoff worked at the Partnership Concepts and Policy Branch in the Cooperation and Regional Security Division (NATO) and as a consultant in the Regional Conflict Department (NATO). In the Partnership Concepts and Policy Branch, he was tasked with creating documents related to the implementation of NATO’s Comprehensive Approach. His responsibilities with NATO’s Strategic Direction South “Hub” pertain to issues in the Sahel. The work he undertakes focuses on NATO’s relationships with African states and organizations, proposing new ways of cooperation in the fields of post-conflict stabilization, asymmetric warfare, defence capacity building, education, and enhanced interoperability to create a more robust and mutually beneficial relationship among NATO, the African Union, and individual states. Geoff also works with the Canadian Department of Defence in the MINDS Division to examine instability in the Sahel. He is also currently an expert analyst with the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Division, focusing on border security in North and West Africa. Geoff holds a Ph.D. in Military and Strategic Studies from the University of Calgary, as well as an M.A. in Strategic Studies and a B.Sc. in Geography and a B.A. in History. He has travelled extensively through Africa and speaks English and French.

Ms. Maureen Farrell is a Vice President at Valar specializing in defense, security, and economic engagement across Africa. She currently drives global partner engagement from Washington for Valar, a Nairobi-based strategic advisory firm delivering on-the-ground programs, analyses, and due diligence research across critical minerals, energy, and security sectors in complex operational environments. In addition, she is a nonresident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, where she examines the intersection of defense and economic interests on the continent. With over 25 years of experience focused on Africa, Ms. Farrell has held senior leadership positions in both government and the private sector. She most recently served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs, overseeing U.S. defense policy and strategy for the continent, leading bilateral defense talks, representing the Department in international forums, and hosting multiple Head of State and Minister-level visits to the Pentagon. She previously served as Director for African Affairs at the National Security Council, coordinating interagency policy on defense, security, digital, and cyber issues, and the Horn of Africa. Ms. Farrell’s prior experience includes leading U.S. Africa Command’s Washington Liaison Office, advising the Office of the Secretary of Defense, managing security sector reform programs in the Department of State, and serving as a founding member of the Socio-Cultural Research and Advisory Team at Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa. Earlier in her career, she held positions at the International Republican Institute, the Congressional Research Service, and as a Fellow to the House Subcommittee on Africa. Ms. Farrell holds a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National War College, a Master of Arts in International Security Studies from Georgetown University, and dual bachelor’s degrees in Anthropology and African Studies from Northwestern University. She is proficient in Swahili, speaks intermediate French, and has conducted extensive field research in Kenya and Uganda. Ms. Farrell resides in Northern Virginia with her husband and young daughter.

Dr. Whitney Grespin is a foreign policy scholar and practitioner specializing in security force assistance, contingency contracting, and institutional capacity building in fragile and conflict-affected regions. She earned her PhD from King’s College London’s Defence Studies Department at the UK Joint Services Command & Staff College and completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the U.S. Air Force Academy's Institute for Future Conflict. Dr. Grespin has extensive practical experience, including embedded advising to the Somali Ministry of Defense, capacity assessments for the United Nations Mine Action Service, and serving as Lead Researcher for IGAD’s Regional Strategy to counter Improvised Explosive Devices. Most recently, she was Regional Program Lead for institutional capacity building for the U.S. Department of Defense’s Institute for Security Governance across the AFRICOM AOR. She has taught at American University, George Washington University, and King’s College London, held a Non-Resident Fellowship with the Joint Special Operations University, and serves on the Governing Board of the International Studies Association’s International Security Studies Section. Dr. Grespin also advises the UN Security Sector Reform Unit and is an Observer with the International Code of Conduct Association as well as holding an Education Ambassador posting with the Council on Foreign Relations.

Catherine “Cat” Hamilton is the Director of Licensing at the U.S. Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), where she oversees the review and authorization of defense exports central to U.S. national security and foreign policy. A career civil servant with nearly two decades of experience in defense trade and technology security, Ms. Hamilton provides regulatory guidance to U.S. industry, international partners, and interagency stakeholders, helping ensure responsible defense collaboration and the secure transfer of sensitive capabilities worldwide. Her portfolio includes the oversight of commercial defense sales requiring congressional notification and review, placing her at the center of some of the U.S. government’s most consequential technology-transfer decisions. Ms. Hamilton previously led DDTC’s Space, Missile, and Sensor System Division, managing a team responsible for adjudicating export requests involving some of the most sensitive technologies on the U.S. Munitions List. Her earlier assignments include roles on the Surface Vessels, Armament, Military Vehicle, and Night Vision Division; as DDTC’s congressional liaison; and as liaison to the National Security Council-chartered Missile Technology Export Control (MTEC) working group. In that role, she contributed to U.S. policy coordination under the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), reviewing export requests related to ballistic and cruise missiles, unmanned aerial systems, space launch vehicles, and sounding rockets. Before joining DDTC, Ms. Hamilton supported national security and investigative missions at several federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Intelligence (ICE), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations, and the Department of Defense. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her deep subject-matter expertise in export controls, interagency policy coordination, and safeguarding advanced U.S. technology.

Stephen Kinyanjui is a joint qualified Kenya Army Colonel with over 24 years of experience in various Command and Staff positions across the Kenya Defence Forces, African Union and United Nations Peace Missions. Beginning his career in the Signals Corps, he has been promoted to the current rank, becoming the first head of Research and Innovation in Communication Information Systems. He has wide experience in communications, acquisition, developing new capabilities in the Joint force and leading organizational change at the Department of Defense. He has a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Nairobi, a Master of Arts in Defense Studies from the Kings College – London with a bias towards Portfolio, programs, and Project Management (P3M) and a 2nd Master of Science in National Security Strategy– National Defence University (USA) with a bias in resource mobilisation.

Colonel Sean McClure serves as Senior Military Advisor and Associate Dean at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies. A Sub-Saharan Africa Foreign Area Officer, he has served in multiple command and staff positions within U.S. Army Special Operations units, with deployments to Kosovo and Iraq. His Africa-focused security cooperation work includes assignments in South Sudan, Nigeria, and Somalia. Colonel McClure holds graduate degrees from Troy University, the Naval Postgraduate School, and the U.S. Army War College.

Lieutenant Colonel R McDermott is the NATO SOFCOM representative, has extensive experience in multinational operations and will explore the critical role of interoperability in fostering effective partnerships. His presentation will highlight how collaborative operations among NATO members and partner nations can drive success, enhance readiness, and strengthen collective defense. Through real-world examples and strategic insights, the speaker will shed light on the evolving nature of joint operations and the importance of seamless integration for achieving common goals in an increasingly complex global security landscape.

Colonel Charles Mugo is a senior Kenyan military officer with more than two decades of experience in special operations, strategic leadership, and multinational peacekeeping. Commissioned in 2002, he began his career as a Platoon Commander before serving as a Mortar Officer and Officer Commanding. His early leadership trajectory included advanced training abroad, completing the U.S. Army Airborne Course at Fort Benning in 2006 and the International Special Forces Course at the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg in 2007. Upon returning to Kenya, he was appointed Officer Commanding Special Forces Company and entrusted with spearheading the establishment, training, and development of Kenya’s Special Forces Battalion. Colonel Mugo went on to serve as Special Forces Operations Officer, Deputy Commander, and—beginning in 2020—Commander of Kenya’s Special Forces. In 2021, he was appointed Deputy Commander of the Special Operations Forces Command, where he continues to play a pivotal role in advancing Kenya’s strategic SOF capabilities, force readiness, and operational integration. He has been involved in a wide range of internal and external security operations and has represented Kenya in key multinational missions, including United Nations peacekeeping deployments in Burundi (ONUB, 2004) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (2014). Colonel Mugo holds a Bachelor of Education degree from Kenyatta University and a Master of National Security and Warfare from the National Defence University in Islamabad, Pakistan. Throughout his career, he has helped shape Kenya’s modern special operations forces through professionalization, tactical innovation, and the training of multiple generations of SOF personnel. He is married and the father of three children.

Brigadier Ngugi Muhindi serves as the Commandant of the Counter-Improvised Threats Security Operations (CITSO), following his appointment on 26 July 2025. He enlisted in the Kenya Defence Forces in 1990 as an Officer Cadet and was commissioned on 16 August 1991. He began his career with the 20 Parachute Battalion as a Platoon Commander, later serving as Adjutant and Commanding Officer. Throughout more than three decades of service, Brigadier Muhindi has held numerous command, staff, and instructional appointments across the Kenya Defence Forces. His previous roles include Commandant of the Special Operations Training School, Military Assistant to the Army Commander, Commander of the Ranger Regiment, Colonel Training, Colonel Operations & Plans, and Chief of Operations at Kenya Army Headquarters. Brigadier Muhindi is a graduate of the National Defence College, Kenya, and has completed 18 military courses relevant to his operational and leadership responsibilities. Key courses include the Command and Staff Course, Combined Arms Tactics Course, Junior Command Course (India), and the Command and General Staff Course in Zambia.He has also served in United Nations peace support missions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Liberia. Brigadier Muhindi holds a Master of Science in Security, Conflict, and International Development. He is married and blessed with children.

Lieutenant Colonel Martin Mukara is a senior officer in the Kenya Defence Forces with extensive experience in special operations, operational planning, and multinational peace support missions. He currently serves as Commanding Officer, Central Command (CENTCOM), where he oversees operational readiness, force employment, and joint integration across one of Kenya’s most strategically significant regional commands. In this role, he provides critical leadership in coordinating security activities, managing multidomain operations, and guiding the command’s contribution to national and regional stability. Lieutenant Colonel Mukara previously commanded the Special Forces Regiment, where he led elite forces responsible for high-risk, strategically sensitive missions in support of Kenya’s national security priorities. His tenure included the development of advanced SOF capabilities, refinement of specialized training programs, and the strengthening of interagency and multinational partnerships. Before assuming command of the regiment, he served as its Operations Officer, shaping operational planning, mission design, and the execution of complex special operations at home and abroad. In addition to his service within Kenya, Lieutenant Colonel Mukara has represented the country in international peace support efforts. He deployed to the Central African Republic as part of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSCA), contributing to efforts to stabilize conflict-affected regions, strengthen local security institutions, and support the protection of civilians in a challenging operational environment. Lieutenant Colonel Mukara is currently serving as Deputy J5 for the Silent Warrior 25 Planning Team under the Kenya Special Operations Command, where he plays a key role in operational design, strategic planning, and multinational coordination for this major regional SOF exercise. His career reflects a commitment to professionalism, mission excellence, and the advancement of Kenya’s special operations capabilities.

Deputy Force Commander, African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) Maj Gen Muteti assumed the responsibility of DFC Sup & Logs under African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in Feb 2023 and holds the same position in AUSSOM, the ATMIS successor Mission. Prior to his deployment in Somalia, Maj Gen Muteti was Assistant Chief of Defence Forces responsible for coordination of joint force development, operational effectiveness and policy development across seven functions: Operations, Strategic Plans and Policy, Research & Development, Training & Doctrine, Defence Systems, Communication Information Systems and Research and Training Evaluation. He also held oversight responsibility on behalf of the CDF for Special Operations Forces Command, Inspectorate branch and chaired the Board of management for the International Peace Support Training College. Maj Gen Muteti is a graduate of the Joint Services Command and Staff College, Shrivenham, UK and the National Defence College, Kenya. He holds a Master of Arts Degree in Military Studies from Kings College, London, and a Diploma in International Strategic and Security Studies from the University of Nairobi. In addition to professional courses attended locally, he attended the Senior Command Course in MHOW, India, Strategic Leadership Course in UK and Regional Senior Mission Leaders Course at the IPSTC, Nairobi. Commissioned into the Infantry Corps in 1988, Maj Gen Muteti held command appointments through the hierarchy to the Brigade group and was variously deployed in security hotspots in northern, north-eastern and coast regions of Kenya. He is renowned for his contribution in leadership development at the Kenya Military Academy, School of Infantry and within his command. Apart from Somalia, Maj Gen Muteti deployed with the United Nations Peacekeeping Missions in Namibia and Sierra Leone. He served as Kenya’s Defence Advisor at the Kenya High Commission in London with accreditation to Germany, Belgian, France and Italy between 2013-2017. He is a holder of several awards including ‘Chief of the Burning Spear (CBS)’ Presidential Award for his gallant service to the Nation. Maj Gen Muteti is married to Agnes and is a proud father and grandfather. His military service spanning over 39 years, Maj Gen Muteti will step back from active service in mid 2026.

Brigadier John Kinyua Njeru is the Commander Special Operations Forces Command (SOFC) after his appointment in July 2021. He joined the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in May 1990 as an Officer Cadet and commissioned as an Officer in August 1991. After commissioning, he was posted to 20 Parachute Battalion where he served as a Platoon Commander, Regimental Signal Officer, Company Second in Command and Company Commander. Brig Njeru has held other Command, Staff and instructional appointments during his career in the KDF that span over three decades including; Brigade Commander Army Special Operations Brigade (ASOB) from 2020 to 2021, Commander Ranger Regiment from 2019 to 2020, Commander Special Forces from 2015 to 2017, Commanding Officer 30 Special Forces Battalion from 2010 to 2011 and 2012 to 2015, Staff Officer (SO2) Plans at Headquarter Kenya Army from 2009 to 2010 and Officer Commanding Headquarter Wing, Defence Forces Recruit Training School (DFRTS) from 2008 to 2009. He has commanded troops in most of KDF combat operations and has played a key role in establishment of Special Operations Forces Units/Formations/Command. Brigadier J K Njeru is a graduate of the National Defence College (NDC), Tanzania and Defence Staff College (DSC), Kenya. He has also attended all the relevant officers’ career courses in the KDF including International Special Forces Course in USA. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Security and Strategic Studies from National Defence College, Tanzania, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from Africa Nazarene University (ANU) and Diploma in Strategic Studies from the University of Nairobi (UoN), Kenya. He has also served in United Nations Peacekeeping Missions including United Nations African Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) as J1 from 2007-2008 and as part of Kenyan Contingent in United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) from 2000-2001. Brigadier J K Njeru is a recipient of the following awards; The Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS), Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW), United Nations medals (UNAMID, UNAMSIL), Twenty Great Years of Nyayo Era medal and The Promulgation of the New Constitution Commemorative medal. Brigadier J K Njeru is married and blessed with children.

Dr. Mumo Nzau holds an MA and PhD in Political Science from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He is a Consultant Researcher, Policy Advisor, and Strategist on National Security, Defence & Foreign Relations, Conflict Analysis & Diplomacy, and Governance. Dr. Nzau has served as Visiting Research Fellow and Policy Advisor at numerous national, regional, and international think tanks. He has been Senior Lecturer at the University of Nairobi and adjunct faculty at USIU, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, the National Defence College (Kenya), the Joint Command and Staff College, the International Peace Support Training Centre, Police Staff College, Foreign Service Academy, and the University of Rwanda. Currently, he is Senior Lecturer and Head of Programmes/Head of Department at the National Defence College, Kenya. Dr. Nzau has authored six books and over 90 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. His notable works include Transitional Justice and After: Kenya’s Experience with IDP Resettlement and Peacebuilding since the 2007/2008 PEV (2016), The Changing Dynamics of Terrorism and Violent Extremism (2018, co-editor), and Taking Stock of Devolution in Kenya (2021). He has supervised numerous Master’s theses and Doctoral dissertations and remains an influential voice in African security and governance scholarship.

Ambassador George Aggrey Owinow has over 39 years of experience in operational, command, and staff appointments in the Kenya Defence Forces, rising to the rank of Major General. He served internationally as Deputy Force Commander for AMISOM-Somalia (2019–2020) and as a UN Military Observer in Liberia (1993–1994). He also advised the Kenyan mission to the UN in New York (2003–2006). Ambassador Owinow has been appointed Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda (2022) and currently serves as Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring & Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) to the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (2025). Academically, he holds a Master of Arts in Social Transformation, a BA in Sustainable Human Development, and multiple military diplomas and certificates in leadership, engineering, and strategic studies. He has authored papers and articles on African peace and security, governance, and conflict resolution. His awards include EBS, CBS, and numerous international honors.

Fidel Owusu is the Chief Executive of DefSEC Analytics Africa Ltd., a consultancy specializing in security risk and defense across Africa. He also serves as a security adviser with Unival-group GmbH, a German defense manufacturer, and has extensive experience as a Senior Analyst at Conflict Research Consulting & Advocacy. His work has focused on West Africa and the Sahel, with particular emphasis on counterterrorism and the dynamics between landlocked and littoral states. The relationship between domestic and regional factors has been a central theme in his published reports and peer-reviewed articles. Fidel has also worked with other organizations as a security and geopolitics analyst, and regularly shares his insights through articles, media contributions, and public speaking. He has featured on the BBC, Al Jazeera, DW, and Press TV, and has spoken at major global conferences and academic forums. Recent speaking engagements include the NATO Strategic Direction-South Hub Conference on Terrorism in Naples, the International Stability Operations Association Africa Conference in Nairobi, the World Border Security Congress in Istanbul, and the Lomé Peace and Security Forum in Lomé.

Dr. Adal Rhoubeid, MD, MA, is a PhD student in Peace and Conflict Studies at Kent State University and a former Security Advisor to the President of Niger. Trained as both a physician and mediator, Dr. Rhoubeid has extensive experience facilitating inter-ethnic and cross-border dialogues in Niger, Mali, and Libya. His research focuses on the intersections of resource scarcity, insurgency, and hybrid political orders in the Sahel, with particular emphasis on local communities’ agency in navigating violence and external interventions. He is fluent in French, English, Tamasheq, and Hausa. Dr. Rhoubeid’s work bridges academic research and practical security solutions, reflecting his commitment to sustainable peacebuilding in fragile regions.

Brigadier (Retired) Dickson K. Ruto, born in 1962 in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya, joined the Kenya Defence Forces in 1984 and commissioned from the Kenya Military Academy in 1985. He has extensive experience in special operations, military leadership, inter-agency coordination, intelligence analysis, and military diplomacy. Brigadier Ruto commanded the Special Operations Regiment, Sector 2 AMISOM (Feb 2019–Feb 2020), and an infantry brigade for four years. He served as Kenya Defence Attaché in Beijing (2014–2017), Senior Strategic Analyst at USCENTCOM (2007–2008), and held key intelligence and training roles. He participated in UN peacekeeping operations in the former Yugoslavia (1994–1995) and commanded the 20 Parachute Battalion (2002–2005). Brigadier Ruto holds a master’s in International Military Strategic Studies (LUISS University Rome & Milan University), diplomas in Intelligence (National Intelligence University, USA) and International Relations (University of Nairobi), and is an alumnus of the Kenya National Defence College. Decorated with the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear, UN Peacekeeping Medal, and African Union Medal, he retired in January 2021.

Chief Master Sergeant Evan R. Serpa is the Command Senior Enlisted Leader of Special Operations Command – Africa (SOCAF), Kelley Barracks, Germany. He is the principal advisor to the commander on all matters affecting operations, morale, welfare, readiness, training, and professional development of U.S. Special Operations Forces in Africa. Chief Serpa enlisted in the Army in 2000 and the Air Force in 2006. He has deployed numerous times in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM, and FREEDOM’S SENTINEL and has held leadership positions including Operations Manager, Squadron, Group Senior Enlisted Leader, and Command Chief. He is married to Mauli Patel and they have one daughter, Lily.

Dr. Tycho van der Hoog is an Assistant Professor of International Security Studies at the Netherlands Defence Academy. He completed his PhD at the African Studies Centre of Leiden University, examining the relationships between North Korea and African revolutionary movements. His book, Comrades Beyond the Cold War: North Korea and the Liberation of Southern Africa, was published by Hurst and Oxford University Press in 2025. Dr. van der Hoog has held visiting fellowships at the Asia Centre of Seoul National University and the Changing Character of War Centre at the University of Oxford. He received the BISA African Affairs Postgraduate Paper Prize in 2021 and was elected as one of the ‘Faces of Science’ by the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2022. His research focuses on Cold War-era military diplomacy, North-South relations, and the influence of foreign powers on African liberation movements.

Colonel Jared Williams is the Special Assistant to the Commanding General and Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) at Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAF), where he interfaces with industry partners to test and validate new technologies. He was commissioned in 2005 as a Distinguished Graduate of AFROTC, Southern Illinois University, and has deployed multiple times to Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM, INHERENT RESOLVE, and missions in Africa and Eastern Europe. Colonel Williams previously served as J3 Operations Officer for the Combined Special Operations Joint Task Force-Levant in Jordan and has held numerous command and staff positions, including Commander of the 67th Special Operations Squadron. He holds a BA in Political Science, an MS in Operations Management, and has completed the Air War College and Command and General Staff College. He is a Command Pilot with over 2,900 flight hours across multiple C-130 variants. Colonel Williams is married with three children.