Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has emphasized the need for commitment and collaboration of African defence forces to address common security challenges.
General Musa made call at the African Chiefs of Defence Conference in Gaborone, Botswana, on June 25, 2024, where he participated as a lead panelist on “Peacekeeping, Counter-Terrorism/Violent Extremism, and Crises Response Operations”
The CDS reiterated the importance of technology integration for effective results. The panel discussion aimed to enhance operational readiness and promote cooperation among African defence forces.
The conference, co-hosted by USAFRICOM and the Botswana Defence Force, aimed to promote cooperation and share values among African defence chiefs.
Before the conference, General Musa held a bilateral meeting with US Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles Brown JR, to discuss critical security issues affecting the continent. The meeting focused on exploring opportunities for mutual benefits and strengthening partnerships between Nigeria and the United States.
The conference, themed “Together on the Rampart: Expanding Cooperation and Sharing Values,” brought together defence chiefs from 42 African countries to forge a common goal towards addressing insecurity in the continent. The conference provided a platform for the defence chiefs to share experiences, best practices, and innovative approaches to counter-terrorism, violent extremism, and crises response operations.
Other highlights of the conference included panels on security sector governance and civil-military relations, which focused on promoting democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law in the military. The conference also featured exhibitions on defence equipment and technology, showcasing innovative solutions for modern security challenges.
The African Chiefs of Defence Conference demonstrated the commitment of African defence forces to collaborate and address common security challenges. General Musa’s attendance and participation at the conference reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to regional and international cooperation in promoting peace and security.
