African defence chiefs have resolved to strengthen regional cooperation, intelligence-sharing and coordinated military responses as terrorism, cyber threats, transnational organised crime and climate-related emergencies pose growing challenges to the continent’s security.
The military leaders emphasised the need for adaptive defence capabilities and stronger collaboration to address threats that increasingly extend beyond conventional warfare, particularly through Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW).
According to a report distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kenya’s Ministry of Defence, the Commander of the Kenya Army, Lieutenant General David Ketter, represented the Chief of the Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, at the inaugural Conference of African Defence Chiefs on Military Operations Other Than War in Kampala, Uganda.
The four-day conference brought together defence chiefs and senior military leaders from more than 18 African countries, alongside representatives of the African Union, regional organisations, defence attachés accredited to Uganda, and commanders of United Nations and African Union peace support missions.
The conference, themed “Strengthening Adaptive Non-Combat Military Responses to Emerging Complex Security Threats in Africa,” provided a platform for examining evolving security challenges and developing strategies to prevent, manage and respond to complex emergencies.
Discussions focused on strengthening intelligence-sharing, joint training, early-warning systems, inter-agency coordination and regional cooperation. Participants also highlighted the need to harmonise military doctrines, improve civil-military relations and develop interoperable capabilities to enable faster and more coordinated responses across national borders.
The defence chiefs further stressed the importance of integrating human rights, accountability and civilian protection into military operations, particularly during humanitarian crises, disaster relief and other non-combat missions.
Delivering the keynote address, Uganda’s President, Yoweri Museveni, highlighted the connection between national security, economic development and regional integration.
Museveni argued that sustainable defence capabilities depend on strong economic foundations, urging African countries to align their security priorities with wealth creation, industrial development and broader continental prosperity.
A major outcome of the conference was a resolution to establish an institutional mechanism to coordinate and monitor the implementation of its recommendations, with Uganda designated to host the secretariat.
The conference is expected to convene every two years to assess progress, deepen military collaboration and advance shared security priorities across the continent.
The report stated that the meeting marked a significant step towards institutionalising continental cooperation in non-combat military operations, while reinforcing the role of African defence forces in humanitarian response, civilian protection and strengthening national resilience.
It added that Kenya’s participation provided an opportunity for the country’s defence forces to contribute to continental security discussions, strengthen military partnerships and promote collective approaches to regional stability and operational preparedness.
