Botswana Defence Force Commander Lt. Gen. Placid Segokgo was eager to host the 2024 African Chiefs of Defense Conference in his home country in June 2024, making it the first African nation to do so.
“Your presence here today demonstrates your commitment to ensuring not only continental peace and security but also world peace and security, which are fundamental to sustainable social economic development,” Segokgo said in an opening ceremony address to 34 defense chiefs. “[This] conference offers military leaders an opportunity to learn from fellow commanders’ personal experiences from various military engagements that target Africa’s wide-ranging challenges and opportunities.”
United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) co-hosted the event in Botswana’s capital, Gaborone, on June 25 and 26. The conference brought together top military leaders from Africa and around the world to exchange knowledge, encourage partnerships, and foster collaboration toward addressing shared security and stability.
Countering terrorism is a top military priority, with a major focus on the Sahel and its expanding violent extremist organizations, some of which are linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.
U.S. leaders in attendance, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown and AFRICOM Commander Gen. Michael Langley, concurred with their African counterparts on an overarching strategy of communication and collaboration to deter threats and respond to crises.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana highlighted the need to “face the growing disquiet about the disrespect of the democratic ideals of constitutionally elected governments on the African continent by the military.”
“This kind of regression in the continent’s political order poses a serious threat to the stability of nations.”
Segokgo also underscored the importance of civilian and military relations.
“It is imperative that as defense chiefs we redouble our efforts to ensure that the security sector is not only effective but also accountable and operates within a framework of democratic civilian oversight, the rule of law and respect for human rights,” he said.
As the conference ended, U.S. officials transferred a former U.S. military C-130H Hercules aircraft to the Botswana Defence Force in Gaborone. The plane will enhance Botswana’s airlift capability.
The post African Defense Chiefs Gather to Forge Cooperation first appeared on Africa Defense Forum.
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