Africa’s Top Generals to Meet in Abuja for Historic Defence Summit Amid Regional Tensions
Africa's Top Generals to Meet in Abuja for Historic Defence Summit Amid Regional Tensions
Africa’s Top Generals to Meet in Abuja for Historic Defence Summit Amid Regional Tensions
By Ayshatu S. Rabo
In a major diplomatic and security milestone, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters will host the Maiden African Chiefs of Defence Staff (CDS) Summit, bringing together top military leaders from 53 African nations, including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic. The landmark summit is scheduled for August 25 to 27 in Abuja, with the aim of fostering Africa-led solutions to Africa’s security challenges.
Chairman of the Summit Planning Committee, Air Vice Marshal Precious Amadi, revealed at a press conference on Wednesday that despite political tensions, especially with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), all invited nations have signaled their intention to attend in person.
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“We don’t get involved in political issues. Militarily, we’re still cooperating. For instance, Niger Republic continues to participate in the International Joint Task Force. For us, a threat to one is a threat to all,” Amadi explained.
He stressed that the summit will serve as a premier platform for Africa’s defence chiefs to build strategic alliances, discuss collective threats, and craft unified responses to security issues facing the continent.
Endorsed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the summit carries the theme: “Combating Contemporary Threats to Regional Peace and Security in Africa: The Role of Strategic Defence Collaborations.”
Amadi said the summit will focus on four key areas: initiating collective security strategies tailored to African realities; enhancing collaboration on peace and conflict response; engaging the private sector in regional defence architecture; and developing homegrown solutions to Africa’s defence and security needs.
A concurrent defence exhibition will spotlight African defence innovations and capabilities, while fostering stronger civil-military relationships.
Expected participants include serving and retired senior officers, representatives of the African Union and ECOWAS Commissions, security chiefs, and foreign 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.
“Security challenges have outgrown purely military solutions. It is time to mainstream the private sector into defence planning through public-private partnerships,” he said.
The summit marks a bold step toward continental defence integration, signaling that Africa is ready to take ownership of its security future through unity, innovation, and strategic collaboration.
Africa’s Top Generals to Meet in Abuja for Historic Defence Summit Amid Regional Tensions
