Nine members of Savannah State University’s (SSU) Model African Union student organization participated in the 23rd Annual Southeastern Model of the African Union (SEMAU) Conference Nov. 6-9, on the campus of Kennesaw State University. The event was a simulation organized by the University System of Georgia Africa Council. SSU served as delegates representing the countries of Algeria and Tunisia.

During the conference, the students worked with fellow delegates to find what conference directors called “African solutions to African problems” through council and committee deliberations, diplomacy and the production of draft resolutions on specific topics.

SSU student delegates representing Algeria were Elainie Alix, Shykeria Edwards, and Nigel Smith. They earned the Outstanding Delegation Award.

SSU student delegates representing Tunisia were Imany Clark, Devin Durden, Ariana Johnson and Reauna Talton. They earned the Honorable Mention Delegation Award.

Otilia Iancu, Ph.D., interim chair of the political science and public affairs department and coordinator of the master of public administration program, and Emmanuel Nojang, Ph.D., coordinator of the homeland security and emergency management program, serve as faculty advisors for the Model AU student organization.

Nigel Smith, who received the Outstanding Delegate Leadership-in-Committee Award for his work on the Committee on Peace and Security, stated, “I am honored that I could be a part of such a great simulation of African diplomacy. From the international influences to the regional friendship, I will certainly not lose sight of what MAU has given me.”

“Bringing back nine awards to SSU is an all-time high,” Iancu said, “and it exemplifies the students’ dedication and commitment to success.”

In addition to council and committee proceedings, students had the opportunity to hear from and meet the Honorable Mrs. Aisha Alitu Musa, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who delivered the keynote address.