President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has emphasized the need for African countries to strengthen their economies, political cohesion, and regional cooperation as a foundation for sustainable security and effective defence forces. He made these remarks while closing the inaugural African Conference of Chiefs of Defence Forces on Military Operations Other Than War, held at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala. Museveni stressed that a strong defence force ultimately depends on a strong national economy.
Museveni told African defence leaders that security cannot be viewed separately from economic development, political stability, and strategic cooperation. He urged African governments to focus on wealth creation through commercial agriculture, industrialisation, services, and information and communication technology (ICT). According to Museveni, economic transformation would provide the resources needed to strengthen national security institutions. He also emphasised the importance of expanding markets for African economies through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and deeper regional integration.
The President challenged African defence forces to adapt to changing security challenges, particularly emerging and non-traditional threats that increasingly require responses beyond conventional military operations. He said defence forces should not only protect countries against traditional security threats but also play a constructive role in maintaining peace and supporting national development. Museveni stressed that the relationship between security and economic prosperity was inseparable.
The conference brought together defence and security leaders from across Africa to deliberate on military operations other than war and the evolving role of defence forces in responding to contemporary security challenges. Museveni thanked the visiting Chiefs of Defence Forces, Intelligence Chiefs, and Force Commanders for participating in the conference. He also wished the visiting delegations a good stay in Uganda.
The inaugural conference comes amid growing calls for African countries to strengthen cooperation in addressing complex security challenges, including terrorism, organised crime, political instability, humanitarian emergencies, and other threats that require coordinated national, regional, and continental responses. African countries face significant security challenges that require a collective response.
Museveni's call for strong economies and political cohesion to back Africa's defence forces is a timely reminder of the importance of economic development in ensuring sustainable security. The President's emphasis on wealth creation, industrialisation, and regional integration is critical in providing the resources needed to strengthen national security institutions. African countries must prioritise economic development to ensure sustainable security.
The African Conference of Chiefs of Defence Forces will continue to provide a platform for defence and security leaders to deliberate on key issues affecting the continent. The conference will also provide an opportunity for African countries to share best practices in addressing security challenges.
Key points
- President Museveni calls for strong economies and political cohesion to back Africa's defence forces.
- African countries must prioritise economic development to ensure sustainable security.
- The African Conference of Chiefs of Defence Forces will continue to provide a platform for defence and security leaders to deliberate on key issues affecting the continent.
