Let’s Create A Secure Continent – Nana

PRESIDENT NANA Akufo-Addo has emphasised the need for Africa to strengthen its regional collaboration to develop a more effective and sustainable response to terrorism, promoting peace, stability, and development.

He said the importance of a collective and coordinated regional approach is to address these security challenges.

“We as African nations must strengthen our regional mechanisms; enhance our collaboration, and share intelligence and best practices to create a safer and more secure continent for Africans,” he stressed.

Speaking at the second International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEC) yesterday in Accra under the theme, “Enhancing Regional Mechanisms for Addressing Contemporary Security Challenges in Africa”, President Akufo-Addo highlighted that over ten decades, the continent continues to face complex security challenges that threaten economic growth, social development, and progress of the continent.

He said, “These challenges range from terrorism and violent extremism, transnational organised crimes, maritime piracy, and cyber security threats, as well as the impact of climate change on human security.

“Each of these threats poses a significant risk to the sovereignty development and well-being of our nations.”

President Akufo-Addo reiterated that to secure the continent, there is a need for the African region to enhance collaboration and share intelligence and best practices to create a safer and more secure continent for its people.

“The security landscape in Africa is characterised by a variety of threats that are interconnected and often transcend national borders. Terrorism and violent extremism, for instance, are increasingly facing various regions on the continent, from the Sahel to the whole of Africa.

“Terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS continue to exploit political instability, economic deprivation, and social grievances to recruit and radicalise our youth and execute terrorist attacks,” he stated.

He added, “These groups are increasingly becoming sophisticated, utilising both symmetric and asymmetric tactics, including cyber warfare, to achieve their objectives.”

Given the transnational nature of these threats, President Akufo-Addo said that no single African country can address them alone, but through regional cooperation and collaboration the continent can effectively counter these challenges.

He added that regional organisations such as the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Southern African Development Community, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development have critical roles to play.

Seven Strategies

In a bid to enhance regional cooperation and security across the continent, President Akufo-Addo has outlined seven strategic solutions aimed at addressing pressing security challenges in Africa.

President Akufo-Addo emphasised the importance of strengthening intelligence sharing and coordination among African nations as a critical component in responding effectively to security threats.

He underscored that “effective intelligence sharing is crucial for responding to threats,” stressing the necessity for timely and accurate information to preempt potential dangers.

The President also called for the establishment of robust mechanisms for intelligence sharing at both regional and continental levels, advocating for the use of modern technology to facilitate real-time communication and data exchange.

In addition to intelligence initiatives, he highlighted the need for capacity-building in counter-terrorism efforts, peacekeeping missions, and operations aimed at mitigating various security threats.

He further stated that the establishment of the ECOWAS standby force is essential for maintaining stability and security within the region.

The President also pointed to several other critical areas of focus, including enhancing maritime security, promoting cyber resilience, addressing climate-induced security risks, and fostering inclusive governance and development.

He said, “Whilst the primary responsibility for African security rests with African nations, the importance of international cooperation, international partners have a critical role to play in supporting efforts to enhance regional mechanisms for security,” adding, “This support should be aligned with our priorities and sovereignty as a continent.”

The National Security Coordinator, Edward Asomani, said the persistent dangers of violent extremism and terrorism have intensified, particularly in the Sahel region, now identified as the epicentre of such activities according to the Global Terrorism Index 2023.

In light of these pressing issues, Mr. Asomani said a robust regional and global response is imperative.

“Africa has established several sub-regional and regional frameworks that lay a solid foundation for addressing security needs. For Ghana, collaboration with neighbouring states and allied nations within these frameworks is not just beneficial but a strategic necessity,” he said.

Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, said IDEC 2024 presents a unique opportunity to engage with industry leaders, explore cutting-edge technologies, and discuss how these advancements can enhance defense capabilities.

“IDEC 2024 seeks to strengthen regional collaborations and provide the platform for academic discussions on pertinent security threat to the African continent,” he stated.

Source:dailyguidenetwork.com