By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, MON, has called for stronger continental cooperation, intelligence sharing and interoperability among African Armed Forces to defeat terrorism, transnational organized crime and emerging security threats.
This was contained in a statement by Queeneth Iheoma-Hart (CIO), Information and Public Relations.
Dr. 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 held in Bujumbura, Burundi.
Addressing Ministers, the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Chiefs of Defence Staff and members of the Diplomatic Corps, the Minister said the relevance of the STCDSS cannot be overstated at a time Africa is confronted by increasingly complex and interconnected security challenges.
“Terrorism and violent extremism, transnational organized crime, trafficking in persons and arms, piracy, cyber threats, unconstitutional changes of government and communal conflicts continue to test our collective resolve. These threats are not confined by national borders. Consequently, no single country can effectively address them in isolation,” he stated.
He stressed the need for strengthened cooperation between the African Union, Regional Economic Communities and Member States, as well as enhanced intelligence sharing, joint and multinational operations, and sustained political commitment to the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and the African Standby Force (ASF).
He noted that successes recorded through joint operations have shown that when African countries work together, share intelligence and coordinate efforts, terrorist and criminal networks can be significantly degraded.
Dr. Matawalle also drew attention to the rapidly changing nature of security threats driven by technology, including the use of drones, artificial intelligence, cyber capabilities for recruitment, radicalization, financial crime and illicit activities.
“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.
He emphasized that military responses must be complemented by addressing root causes of insecurity such as poverty, unemployment, weak institutions, poor access to education and social services, climate pressures and lack of economic opportunities.
“Our approach to security must therefore be comprehensive. Military and security responses must be complemented by effective governance, youth empowerment, education, economic development, strengthened justice systems and social inclusion.”
Reaffirming Nigeria’s position, Dr. Matawalle said Nigeria remains firmly committed to the principle of African solutions to African problems and will continue to contribute to regional and continental peace support operations, counter-terrorism initiatives and capacity-building programmes.
He commended the leadership of the African Union and the STCDSS for their contributions to peace and stability in Africa.
