Africa Defense Ministers conference

The Talking Point

This week, the Ministers of Defense have gathered in Addis Abba for the inaugural continental conference on Defense. The conference is held under the theme "Africa: United in Peace, Strong in Security". At the conference, South Africa will be represented by Deputy Minister (Gen.) Bantu Holomisa and has been tasked to engage with other African defence leaders on issues such as counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and border security management. He will also speak to leaders about enhancing the resilience of African defence forces. The conference aims to articulate a future vision for peace, stability, and development in Africa, while fostering collaboration to tackle shared security challenges. The continent faces major conflicts in the DRC, Sudan and Mozambique. There are also military junctas ruling countries in the Sahel region (Mali, Burkino Faso and Niger). There has also been shifting tides when it comes to how African nations align on military cooperation.

Guest: Nixon Katembo - African Affairs analyst & language specialist at Channel Africa Kiswahili desk