Africa’s Defence Chiefs Champion AI, Youth Empowerment in War on Extremism
African Defence Chiefs have declared artificial intelligence, youth empowerment and unity as central weapons in the continent’s battle against extremism, warning that porous borders and unchecked radicalisation continue to fuel terrorism, trafficking and armed banditry.
The call was made at the maiden Africa Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit held in Abuja, where military leaders from across the continent adopted a communiqué on collective regional action against contemporary threats.
The summit, themed, “Combating Contemporary Threats to Regional Peace and Security in Africa: The Role of Strategic Defence Collaborations”, underscored the urgent need for tighter border management and collaborative counter-radicalisation programmes to dismantle extremist networks.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who declared the summit closed, explained that the deliberations highlighted the dangers of porous borders in fuelling terrorism, trafficking and armed banditry.
Read Also:
“It was evident that porous borders fuel terrorism, trafficking and armed banditry, and we stressed the need for integrated security frameworks to address these challenges. Sharing intelligence, conducting joint operations and coordinating counter-radicalisation efforts are essential to Africa’s future security,” Musa said.
He warned that extremist ideologies, if left unaddressed, will continue to destabilise communities and nations across the continent.
“Counter-radicalisation remains non-negotiable because terrorism anywhere on our continent is a threat to peace everywhere. We must work together to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies that endanger our people,” he added.
The CDS explained that the summit explored practical measures including joint operations, community engagement, education, and the deployment of new technologies such as artificial intelligence to improve border surveillance, early warning systems and intelligence fusion.
The Defence Chiefs further emphasised the role of governments in investing in youth empowerment, education and inclusive economic opportunities as part of wider efforts to prevent recruitment into extremist groups.
According to Musa, Africa’s security cannot be guaranteed by one nation acting alone. “Our greatest weapon is our unity. By tightening our borders and tackling radicalisation at its root, we can build a more resilient, secure and prosperous Africa,” he said.
By PRNigeria
