By Nkechi Eze
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle has advocated greater military cooperation among African countries to tackle terrorism, transnational organised crime and other emerging security challenges confronting the continent.
According to an official statement signed by Queeneth Iheoma-Hart, Chief Information Officer, Information and Public Relations, 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.
The Minister said the increasingly complex and interconnected nature of security threats across Africa required stronger cooperation, intelligence sharing and interoperability among the continent’s armed forces.
He identified terrorism and violent extremism, transnational organised crime, trafficking in persons and arms, piracy, cyber threats, unconstitutional changes of government and communal conflicts among the challenges requiring collective action.
“These threats are not confined by national borders. Consequently, no single country can effectively address them in isolation,” Matawalle said.
He called for stronger collaboration among the African Union, Regional Economic Communities and member states, as well as enhanced intelligence sharing, joint and multinational operations and sustained commitment to the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and the African Standby Force (ASF).
Matawalle noted that successes recorded through joint operations had demonstrated that coordinated African efforts could significantly degrade terrorist and criminal networks.
He also urged African countries to strengthen technological capabilities in response to emerging threats, including the use of drones, artificial intelligence and cyber capabilities by terrorist and criminal groups.
“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.
The Minister stressed that military action alone could not address the continent’s security challenges, calling for complementary measures in governance, youth empowerment, education, economic development, justice and social inclusion.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to the principle of African solutions to African problems, Matawalle said the country would continue to contribute to regional and continental peace support operations, counter-terrorism initiatives and capacity-building programmes.
He commended the African Union and the STCDSS for their contributions to peace, security and stability on the continent, and urged delegates to advance practical and sustainable measures for addressing Africa’s evolving security challenges.
