The first Conference of African Defence Chiefs on non-conventional military operations has opened in Kampala, Uganda. The meeting, running from October 5 to 8, 2026, brings together defence chiefs, military experts, and representatives of regional bodies from the African Union. The conference aims to strengthen Africa's adaptive military response to emerging security threats. The theme of the conference is "Renforcer la réponse militaire adaptative non combattante face aux menaces sécuritaires complexes et émergentes en Afrique".
The conference was officially opened by Lieutenant General Jack Bakasumba, Uganda's Joint Chief of Staff. He noted that the security landscape has evolved, with threats extending beyond classical warfare. Bakasumba cited terrorism, organized crime, cyber warfare, public health emergencies, and climate crises as examples. He emphasized that African militaries are increasingly called upon to respond to complex crises, but often lack adequate training, equipment, and early warning systems.
Lieutenant General Bakasumba stressed the need for practical mechanisms to enhance the continent's response to emerging threats. He called for strengthened regional cooperation, standardized operational procedures, and rationalized training and equipment acquisition processes. The conference aims to develop concrete measures to improve Africa's military response to non-traditional security threats.
The conference brings together 18 countries, including Mali, which has a strong military cooperation with Uganda. Malian military officials are participating in the conference, along with commanders of peace support missions from the United Nations and African Union. The conference will focus on developing practical solutions to address emerging security challenges.
Lieutenant General Bakasumba praised Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni for his support for the conference and his pan-African vision for defence. On July 17, 2026, President Museveni addressed students at the Mali War School during a visit to Uganda. The conference aims to translate discussions into tangible results, including standard operating procedures, training programs, and early warning systems.
The conference will also focus on enhancing information sharing, inter-agency communication, and rapidly deployable capabilities. Participants will discuss ways to address the challenges posed by non-traditional security threats, including terrorism, piracy, and natural disasters. The conference is expected to produce concrete recommendations for improving Africa's military response to emerging security challenges.
The participation of Mali and other African countries in the conference reflects their commitment to addressing the evolving security landscape in Africa. The conference will provide a platform for defence chiefs and military experts to share experiences and best practices in responding to non-conventional military operations. The outcome of the conference is expected to enhance Africa's military response to emerging security threats.
Key points
- Mali participates in Kampala conference on non-conventional military operations
- Conference aims to strengthen Africa's adaptive military response to emerging security threats
- 18 countries, including Mali, are participating in the conference
