Matawalle Urges African Defence Chiefs to Unite Against Terrorism, Emerging Security Threats
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has called for enhanced continental cooperation, intelligence sharing and interoperability among African armed forces to tackle terrorism, transnational organised crime and emerging security threats.
Matawalle made the call while delivering Nigeria’s address at the 18th Ordinary Session of the Specialised Technical Committee on Defence, Safety and Security (STCDSS) and the 21st Ordinary Meeting of African Chiefs of Defence Staff and Heads of Safety and Security in Bujumbura, Burundi.
Addressing defence ministers, the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, military chiefs and members of the diplomatic corps, the minister said the STCDSS had become increasingly important amid the complex and interconnected security challenges confronting the continent.
He identified terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime, human and arms trafficking, piracy, cyber threats, unconstitutional changes of government and communal conflicts as threats that required collective action.
“These threats are not confined by national borders. Consequently, no single country can effectively address them in isolation,” Matawalle stated.
He urged stronger collaboration among the African Union, Regional Economic Communities and member states, stressing the need for improved intelligence sharing, joint and multinational operations, and sustained political commitment to the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and the African Standby Force (ASF).
According to him, the successes recorded through joint operations demonstrate that coordinated action and intelligence sharing can significantly degrade terrorist and criminal networks.
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Matawalle also highlighted the evolving security risks associated with technological advancements, including the deployment of drones, artificial intelligence and cyber capabilities for recruitment, radicalisation, financial crimes and other illicit activities.
“Africa must invest in technological innovation, research and development, intelligence capabilities and human capital, while ensuring that technology is employed responsibly and in accordance with international law,” he said.
The minister, however, emphasised that military interventions alone could not resolve the continent’s security challenges without addressing their underlying socioeconomic and governance-related causes.
He identified poverty, unemployment, weak institutions, inadequate access to education and social services, climate pressures and limited economic opportunities as factors that must be tackled alongside military and security operations.
“Our approach to security must therefore be comprehensive. Military and security responses must be complemented by effective governance, youth empowerment, education, economic development, strengthened justice systems and social inclusion,” he added.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to the principle of African solutions to African problems, Matawalle said the country would continue contributing to regional and continental peace support operations, counter-terrorism initiatives and capacity-building programmes.
He commended the leadership of the African Union and the STCDSS for their contributions to peace, security and stability across the continent, while wishing delegates fruitful deliberations.
The meeting brought together defence ministers, chiefs of defence staff and heads of safety and security from AU member states to deliberate on practical and sustainable responses to Africa’s evolving security challenges.
By PRNigeria
