Tinubu Proposes Permanent Forum for African Defence Chiefs
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for the establishment of a permanent forum for African Chiefs of Defence Staff, as part of efforts to strengthen continental security cooperation.
The President made the proposal while declaring open the Africa Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit, in Abuja on Monday, August 26, 2025. The summit has as its theme, “Combating Contemporary Threats to Regional Peace and Security in Africa: The Role of Strategic Defence Collaboration.”
Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said Africa could no longer afford ad-hoc or fragmented approaches to its growing security threats ranging from terrorism, banditry, maritime piracy, cybercrime, to political instability.
“We must establish a permanent forum for our Defence Chiefs to regularly exchange intelligence, harmonize strategies, and evaluate emerging threats. Such a platform will ensure continuity of dialogue, deepen trust among our militaries, and guarantee that Africa speaks with one voice in security matters,” he said.
The President stressed that sustainable peace is a prerequisite for Africa’s progress, noting that no meaningful development can take place without security.
He also tasked African states to develop indigenous defence industries and guard their homegrown technologies from foreign control, warning that over-reliance on external powers undermines sovereignty.
“Defence is the first expression of love for one’s people. If we fail to secure our nations, we compromise the future of our citizens. We must build capacity, innovate with our resources, and take ownership of our security solutions,” he added.
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the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa and dl, Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu at Africa Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit, in Abuja
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, echoed the President’s call for unity, stressing that collaboration remains Africa’s best weapon against the growing web of violent extremism and insecurity across the continent.
He said Africa faces more than 1,000 terror-affiliated groups, with many operating across porous borders, exploiting weak governance, and feeding off local grievances.
“No single country can confront these challenges in isolation. Our enemies are networked, adaptive, and transnational. Therefore, our response must be equally coordinated, innovative, and continental,” General Musa said.
The CDS who also the Chief host, emphasized the importance of intelligence sharing, joint training exercises, and coordinated military operations, describing them as vital to disrupting terrorist financing networks, arms trafficking, and cross-border criminality.
He also underscored the role of non-military measures, such as community engagement and development programmes, in addressing the root causes of insecurity.
“While we strengthen our militaries, we must also win hearts and minds. Security is not just about weapons, it is about trust, justice, and the confidence of our people in their governments,” he noted.
PRNigeria reports that the summit, which has attracted Defence Chiefs, ministers, and senior military officials from across Africa, is expected to produce a communiqué outlining new strategies for joint action, institutional frameworks for defence cooperation, and stronger mechanisms for regional peacekeeping.
By PRNigeria
