African military chiefs discuss cooperation on security threats
Military chiefs from across Africa have called for stronger cooperation to address security threats, with Rwanda proposing joint exercises involving smaller groups of countries to improve coordination and implementation.
The call was made at a regional conference of Chiefs of Defence Forces on Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW), held at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala, Uganda.
A delegation from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), led by its Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi, attended the meeting, which brought together African military and intelligence chiefs, as well as commanders serving in United Nations and African Union peacekeeping missions.
The conference was officially opened by Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
South Africa’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Rudzani Maphwanya, said technical teams should identify practical areas for cooperation to ensure that recommendations could be implemented.
He also proposed aligning the discussions with the African Union’s existing doctrine on Military Operations Other Than War.
Tanzania’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Jacob Mukunda, thanked Gen Kainerugaba for organising the conference and bringing together military leaders from across the continent.
However, he raised concerns about implementing the recommendations across Africa, given the continent’s size and the fact that many countries do not share borders.
Despite the challenges, he said he was optimistic that a solution could be found.
Rwanda proposes joint military exercises
Maj Gen Nyakarundi proposed organising joint military exercises involving smaller groups of countries to improve coordination and make implementation easier.
He also pledged Rwanda’s support for the recommendations and commended the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) for hosting the conference.
Delegation leaders from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Burundi and South Sudan also highlighted the importance of African militaries working together to address existing and emerging security threats.
The meeting was attended by representatives from African countries and regional and international organisations, including the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the North African Regional Capability (NARC).
Diplomats and military attachés based in Uganda also attended.
Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the guest of honour, delivered the keynote address, stressing that lasting security was closely linked to a strong economy, political cohesion and strategic cooperation.
The conference focused on strengthening cooperation among African militaries in operations beyond conventional warfare, with participants discussing ways to improve coordination and respond more effectively to regional security challenges.
