African militaries urged to unite against rising security threats

Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, has called for deeper integration of African militaries, warning that fragmented national efforts are inadequate against the continent’s evolving security threats.

Speaking at the opening of the 2025 African Chiefs of Defence Conference (ACHOD) in Nairobi, Kahariri urged African countries to harmonise intelligence sharing, standardize operations, and pool resources.

“While African countries have made efforts to develop their individual militaries, ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001520154/koech-seeks-extra-sh4-billion-allocation-for-ministry-of-defence">more needs to be done to integrate< forces for effective joint, bilateral, and multilateral security cooperation to secure the continent at large,” he said.

The ACHOD conference, the second of its kind held in Africa, has drawn military leaders from 38 partner countries. “It is a strategic forum that enables us to align our thinking, strengthen collective protection, and reinforce the unity that underpins continental security,” he said.

He cited terrorism, cyberattacks, maritime insecurity, disinformation, and the destabilising impact of climate change and advanced weaponry as key threats.

“The prevailing security environment and easy access to sophisticated weaponry have emboldened non-state actors who actively challenge government forces through the application of asymmetric strategies and tactics,” he warned.

To counter these threats, General Kahariri called for robust intelligence frameworks, ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/world/article/2001520270/macron-in-indonesia-to-deepen-trade-defence-ties">standardized training and equipment<, and joint resource mobilisation. He also urged a continent-wide cyber defense strategy.

The 2025 ACHOD conference is themed “Strengthening African Security: Sustaining Unity of Effort,” a theme Kahariri said reflects the urgent need to reinforce Africa’s defense architecture with the right structures, including advanced technology, professional human capital, strong institutional partnerships, and healthy civil-military relations.

 “Our militaries must remain guardians of territorial integrity, stability, dignity, and the progress of our nations.”

Kenya is co-hosting the conference with the US, and reaffirmed its commitment to building strategic partnerships beyond the forum.

Gen Kahariri urged his counterparts to capitalise on the conference’s momentum.