NAIROBI — Kenya’s top military chief has issued a rallying cry to African nations: come together or risk falling apart in the face of growing threats.
General Charles Kahariri, Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces, called for the continent’s armies to work more closely to share intelligence, align operations, and pool resources. The aim, he said, is nothing less than securing Africa’s future.
“No single nation can do this alone,” he said on Tuesday, speaking at the opening of the 2025 African Chiefs of Defence Conference (ACHOD) in Nairobi. “The threats we face are too complex, too transnational, and evolving too fast.”
The conference, drawing defence leaders from 38 countries, comes at a tense moment. Across Africa, terrorism, cyberattacks, and political instability continue to flare. In many regions, non-state actors are growing bolder, with access to sophisticated weapons and tactics once reserved for conventional armies.
“The ease of access to advanced technology has allowed them to destabilise governments and expand conflict zones,” Kahariri warned. “It’s led to prolonged fighting not just in Africa, but globally.”
He was blunt in his assessment: piecemeal efforts won’t work anymore. Instead, Kahariri urged African nations to build interoperable defence systems. That means shared intelligence networks, standardised training and equipment, and joint operations guided by common doctrines.
He also called for a strategic pivot to tackle threats like cyberwarfare, disinformation, and maritime insecurity all of which are now as dangerous as bombs and bullets.
“This is not just a conference,” Kahariri told attendees. “It is a strategic forum. One where we align our thinking, strengthen our collective defence, and reinforce the unity that our continent’s security depends on.”
The theme of this year’s ACHOD “Strengthening African Security: Sustaining Unity of Effort” reflects a growing belief among defence experts that Africa needs more than peacekeeping missions or border patrols. It needs a continental mindset.
Kahariri listed what he called “structural enablers” for strong defence: new technologies, professional training, stronger civil-military ties, and partnerships between states and regions.
He spoke of the military not just as a shield against enemies, but as a pillar for progress. “We must remain guardians of territorial integrity, stability, and the dignity of our people,” he said.
Kenya, as co-host of the event, reiterated its pledge to take the conversation beyond the conference room. The government is keen to push for long-term partnerships and homegrown solutions to Africa’s security challenges.
Analysts say the message of unity is timely but not without obstacles. Funding disparities, political rivalries, and inconsistent defence priorities remain real hurdles.
Still, for Kahariri, the case for cooperation is undeniable.
“The aspirations of our people challenge us to evolve,” he said. “The momentum is here. Let us seize it for peace, resilience, and prosperity.”
