SSU Team Reaps Awards at the 27th Southeast Model African Union Conference

The Savannah State University Model African Union team at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Southeast Model African Union (SEMAU) Conference.  From left: Dr. Benn Bongang, Carey Bynes-Jones, Kayla Jordan, Anayah Lewin, Tanayah Henderson, Dr. Philip Omunga. Top row, left to right: Kenza Ouedraogo, Naomi Allen, Markeema Cranston.

Savannah State University's Model African Union (MAU) team took center stage at the 27th edition of the Southeast Model African Union (SEMAU) Conference held at Fort Valley State University from November 20-23, 2024. The eight-member team represented the nations of Liberia and Rwanda in this year’s simulation of the African Union proceedings, earning a total of 10 awards, including the Outstanding Delegation Award for both countries.

This year’s Outstanding Delegate awards were presented to the following students: freshman mass communications major Naomi Allen, who represented Liberia in the Economic Matters committee; Carey Bynes-Jones, a senior majoring in sociology, for his representation of Rwanda on the Executive Council; sophomore political science major Tanayah Henderson, also representing Liberia on the Executive Council; Kayla Jordan, a junior in political science who represented Liberia in Peace and Security; and Kenza Ouedraogo, junior political science major, who represented Rwanda in the Social Matters committee.

"Attending the SEMAU conference was a highlight of my academic journey, said Bynes-Jones. “I had the incredible opportunity to connect with peers and friends from different campuses across Georgia, as well from New Jersey and New York, and build relationships that I believe will last into the future.”

The Honorable Mention Awards were presented to political science freshman Markeema Cranston for her work on the Social Matters committee representing Liberia, and mass communications senior Anayah Lewin for her contributions to the Peace and Security committee representing Rwanda.

Dr. Otilia Iancu, chair of the Department of Political Science and Public Affairs, said, “Our students, through this experience, have a better understanding of the world's problems and challenges, then identify and propose solutions. It instills confidence, builds public speaking and presentation skills.”

Freshman Naomi Allen, a first-time participant at the simulation, said, “This was an amazing experience. Seeing students collaborating and sharing ideas and thoughts for the betterment of Africa and being genuinely passionate about it was awesome.”

The 27th edition of SEMAU was attended by Model AU teams from twelve universities including University of Georgia, Georgia Southern University, Albany State University, and Middle Georgia College and State University. The conference keynote speaker was His Excellency, Alfredo Fabião Nuvunga, Ambassador of the Republic of Mozambique to the United States. Students also received welcome messages from the University System of Georgia’s Director of International Education, Dr. Tammy Rosner, as well as from Fort Valley State University leadership and community officials. Savannah State’s Drs. Philip Omunga and Benn Bongang led the SSU’s Model AU team at the conference.

SSU’s Model United Nations and Model African Union student organizations were established in 2004 by Prof. Emmanuel Naniuzeyi. In spring of 2013, Dr. Iancu assumed the role of faculty advisor and organized the participation of SSU teams to regional, national and international conferences. SSU teams have attended 14 consecutive Annual International Model African Union conferences hosted by Howard University and have won top awards.