Africa Must Unite to Defend Its Future – General Musa
By Anthonia N. Okwuolise, Abuja
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has urged African countries to come together and take charge of their security challenges rather than continue depending on foreign powers. He made this call while addressing participants at the Africa Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit which is taking place in Abuja.
In his remarks on Monday, August 25, 2025, General Musa explained that Africa is currently facing many threats that cut across borders and affect every nation. He pointed to violent extremism, terrorism, transnational crimes, piracy on the seas, and even the impact of climate change, which in many cases fuels conflicts. According to him, these problems are tough and persistent, and they require an equally strong, united, and strategic response from African nations.
Speaking on the theme of the summit, “Combating Contemporary Threats to Regional Peace and Security in Africa: The Role of Strategic Defence Collaboration,” the CDS said the timing could not have been better. He made it clear that Africa cannot continue outsourcing its security to others, adding that the future of the continent lies in Africans building their own systems of defence.
“The era of outsourcing Africa’s security is over. We must be the architects of our own peace and the guardians of our sovereignty,” he said, stressing that Africa must begin to design its security framework with solutions that are African in origin, African in design, and African in purpose.
General Musa also pointed out the importance of intelligence sharing, joint training of military forces, and investing in local defence industries. He cautioned that Africa’s heavy dependence on foreign technology makes its security weak and vulnerable. He also called on African leaders to embrace emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, and cyber defence, but in a way that ensures local innovation and protects African systems from external control.
The CDS explained that true security goes beyond military strength. He said unity of purpose is what makes nations stronger, warning that enemies of Africa benefit only when the continent is divided. “Our enemies may be many, but their strength thrives in our division. Together, we are unbreakable,” he said.
He encouraged African countries to rise above internal differences and focus on building peace, unity, and development for their people. He envisioned a continent where citizens can live without fear and where armed forces are respected as symbols of professionalism, stability, and pride.
General Musa also used the opportunity to honour soldiers across the continent who lost their lives while defending their nations. He said their sacrifice should inspire leaders to create institutions that are strong, just, and accountable, and also called for more support for families of fallen heroes.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and unwavering support for the Nigerian Armed Forces. He also appreciated regional bodies such as ECOWAS, international allies, the United Nations, development agencies, and private sector partners for their roles in making the summit possible.
General Musa further commended fellow Defence Chiefs from across Africa for attending the event, saying their presence in Abuja sends a strong message to the world that Africa is ready to take control of its own security destiny.
As he brought his speech to a close, he called on participants to make their discussions open, honest, and solution-driven. He said the summit must end with a clear message of cooperation and unity. “Together, let us stand in defence of Africa. Together, let us secure our future,” he concluded.
