Nigeria to Host 53 African Defence Chiefs, Pushes for African-Led Security Solutions
The Defence Headquarters has announced readiness to host 53 Chiefs of Defence Staff (CDS) from 53 African countries, including Burkina, Mali and Niger Republic, for the Maiden African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja.
The summit, organised by the Defence Headquarters and scheduled for August 25–27, aims to foster dialogue and collective strategies among African militaries to combat shared security threats, with a focus on African-led and homegrown solutions to the continent’s challenges.
Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Precious Amadi, Chairman of the Summit Planning Committee, disclosed this during a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja.
He confirmed that all invited countries, including those with currently strained political ties such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic, have indicated interest in participating.
He clarified that despite the political tensions between these nations and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), military cooperation remains intact.
“We don’t delve into political matters, but I can assure you that under the Multinational Joint Task Force, Niger Republic is still actively involved. In the military context, a threat to one is considered a threat to all,” Amadi stated.
He added that the summit will provide a unique platform for African Chiefs of Defence Staff to share ideas, develop joint strategies, and enhance regional defence cooperation.
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“In light of the current realities, it has become imperative to seek African solutions to African problems. It is in recognition of this that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu granted approval for the Defence Headquarters to host this historic summit,” Amadi said.
Themed *“Combating Contemporary Threats to Regional Peace and Security in Africa: The Role of Strategic Defence Collaborations,”*
According to him, the summit will address four key thematic areas which include Initiating Discussions on Collective Strategies for African Security Issues; Facilitating Collaborative Response to Peace and Security Issues in Africa; Developing Mechanisms for Integrating the Private Sector into Africa’s Defence Efforts; and Establishing a Roundtable for the Initiation of Homegrown Solutions to Africa’s Defence Needs.
The event will also feature a defence exhibition, highlighting Africa’s evolving defence capabilities and innovations. It is expected to attract high-level attendance, including senior serving and retired military officers, heads of the African Union and ECOWAS Commissions, government representatives, and international partners.
Also speaking, Mr. Dotun Ajayi, Executive Director of the African Business Roundtable and summit consultant, emphasized the importance of involving the private sector in defence initiatives. He noted that the complexity of current security threats demands a broader, multi-sectoral approach.
“Security challenges are no longer the sole responsibility of the military. It is a shared obligation. We must harness public-private partnerships and broaden our approach to include economic, technological, and industrial responses to insecurity,” Ajayi said.
The summit is expected to mark a turning point in regional security discourse and lay the groundwork for more integrated and sustainable defence strategies led by Africans, for Africans.
by PRNigeria
