The inaugural African Chiefs of Defence Forces Conference on Military Operations Other Than War has opened in Kampala, bringing together defence and military operations experts from over 18 countries, African Union regional bodies, and Force Commanders from United Nations and African Union peace support missions. The conference aims to discuss how African countries can strengthen their response to emerging and non-traditional security threats.
Lieutenant General Jack Bakasumba, Chief of Joint Staff of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), emphasized that Africa's security environment has changed significantly, requiring militaries to adapt to a broad range of threats, including terrorism, organised crime, cyber warfare, public health emergencies, and climate-related crises. He noted that the security landscape has evolved away from interstate warfare, shifting toward a challenging matrix of interstate conflict and complex non-traditional threats.
Lt Gen Bakasumba highlighted the challenges faced by military personnel, including inadequate training, specialised equipment, functional early-warning systems, and clear standard operating procedures. He stated that the conference was planned in response to this emerging security reality, aiming to develop practical and coordinated mechanisms for responding to emerging threats. The conference seeks to go beyond discussions of familiar security challenges.
Lt Gen Bakasumba stressed the need for improved information sharing, joint communications, and rapidly deployable capabilities to enable African countries to respond effectively when crises emerge. He urged African countries to move beyond policy discussions and strengthen collective capacity to address emerging security threats. The conference aims to build national and regional capacity to address Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW) scenarios.
The Chief of Joint Staff commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, regional leaders, defence chiefs, Regional Economic Communities, and development partners for their contribution to peace and security on the continent. He underscored the importance of Pan-African cooperation in addressing security challenges, stating that it has improved and sustained regional peace and security.
The conference brings together participants from various countries and organisations, providing a platform for defence and military operations experts to share knowledge and expertise. The participants are expected to develop practical and coordinated mechanisms for responding to emerging threats, enhancing regional cooperation, and standardising standard operating procedures.
The conference is expected to strengthen collaboration, partnerships, and defence diplomacy across the continent, ultimately enhancing Africa's response to emerging and non-traditional security threats. Key points discussed include the need for improved information sharing, joint communications, and rapidly deployable capabilities.
Key points
- The conference aims to develop practical and coordinated mechanisms for responding to emerging threats.
- Lt Gen Bakasumba emphasised the need for improved information sharing, joint communications, and rapidly deployable capabilities.
- The conference seeks to strengthen collaboration, partnerships, and defence diplomacy across the continent.
