Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has called for stronger continental cooperation, intelligence sharing and interoperability among African armed forces to tackle terrorism, transnational organised crime and emerging security threats confronting the continent.
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, Chiefs of Defence Staff and members of the diplomatic corps, the minister said the relevance of the STCDSS had become increasingly important as Africa faces complex and interconnected security challenges.
He identified terrorism and violent extremism, transnational organised crime, trafficking in persons and arms, piracy, cyber threats, unconstitutional changes of government and communal conflicts as challenges requiring a collective response.
Matawalle said the threats were not confined to national borders, stressing that no country could effectively address them in isolation.
He therefore called for stronger cooperation among the African Union, Regional Economic Communities and member states, alongside 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, successes recorded through joint operations demonstrate that coordinated African efforts can significantly degrade terrorist and criminal networks.
The minister also raised concerns over the rapidly changing nature of security threats driven by technological developments, including the use of drones and artificial intelligence, as well as 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.
Matawalle further stressed that military responses alone would not be sufficient to address insecurity, noting that underlying factors such as poverty, unemployment, weak institutions, limited access to education and social services, climate pressures and inadequate economic opportunities must also be addressed.
“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 continental peace and security, Matawalle said the country remained committed to the principle of “African solutions to African problems.”
He said Nigeria would continue to contribute to regional and continental peace-support operations, counter-terrorism initiatives and capacity-building programmes.
The Minister 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 consider practical and sustainable responses to Africa’s evolving security challenges.
The statement was signed by Queeneth Iheoma-Hart, Chief Information Officer, Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence.
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