H.E Dr. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Defence Forces, officially opened the African Chiefs of Defence Forces Conference 2025 (ACHOD25) in Nairobi. The ACHOD25 conference provides a vital platform for African military leaders to deliberate on emerging security threats and to promote enhanced regional collaboration and strategic partnerships.
In his keynote address, the President emphasized the significance of hosting the event on African soil, marking a second time the conference is being held on the continent, an indication of Africa’s increasing role in shaping its own security agenda.
He further underscored the interconnected nature of security across the continent. “The conference’s theme underscores the reality that our safety is interconnected. When one country or region falters, the ripple effects transcend borders, impacting livelihoods, economies, and development prospects. True security in Africa must be continental in ambition and collaborative in execution,” added the C-in C.
The Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Hon. Soipan Tuya, echoed the President’s sentiments, highlighting that sustainable peace extends beyond military cooperation to include regional, international, and societal collaboration.
“Sustainable peace requires not only military cooperation but also regional, international, and whole-of-society collaboration,” she stated, expressing confidence that the conference will offer valuable insights toward shaping a stronger and more inclusive global security framework,” affirmed Hon Tuya.
Earlier during an opening reception, the Chief of the Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, emphasized the strategic importance of the conference for the defence community. “The Conference is a strategic forum that enables us to align strategic thinking, strengthen collective posture, and reinforce the unity that underpins continental security.” He further noted the conference’s growing relevance as a reflection of shared recognition of the interconnected nature of both security challenges and their solutions.
His sentiments were echoed by General Michael Langley, Commander of the United States Africa Command, who stressed the importance of continuing to host the conference on the African continent. “It is important to continue with that tradition, bolstering the importance of an African partner-led approach to shared security challenges,” concluded General Langley.
ACHOD25 has brought together Chiefs of Defence from 38 African countries, along with representatives from U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Africa. The conference provides a critical opportunity for senior military leaders to engage in discussions on countering transnational threats, strengthening U.S.-Africa partnerships, and fostering expertise-sharing and regional alliances.
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