27 Jun African defence leaders set to meet to discuss security

Defence chiefs from Africa will gather in Botswana next week for a two-day military conference to talk about security in the region.

Organised by the United States Africa Command, this is set to be the first meeting held in Africa since 2017, making this a landmark event.

Lt. Commander Bobby Dixon, a spokesman at AFRICOM said: “The aim [is] to tackle the pressing security challenges on the African continent and to find ways to work together for a safer, more secure Africa. From counterterrorism efforts to cyber threats and peacekeeping missions, this conference will cover it all. Experts and military leaders will share insights, strategies, and forge partnerships that will strengthen the collective defense capabilities for all of Africa. This is more than just a conference — it’s a significant step towards a unified approach in safeguarding the African continent.”

Jakkie Cilliers, a political scientist at the Institute for Security Studies in Pretoria added: “It is evident that Africa faces a series of challenges. It is not always clear that the model that the U.S. presents is appropriate for Africa. In recent years, we have seen a variety of coups in Africa, sometimes executed by African forces that have been trained in the U.S., the U.K. and France. And it is also evident that a number of U.N. peacekeeping missions, such as that in the DR Congo and Mali, are withdrawing from Africa.

“On the other hand, the role of Russia and the so-called Africa Group [pls check the audio; it is usually called the Africa Corps] is expanding. So, it’s clear that Africa is facing a security challenge, and partners can and should do as much as possible to help.”