Botswana Leads the Way As Host for Defense Chiefs

ADF STAFF

After attending the 2023 African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Rome, Botswana Defence Force Commander Lt. Gen. Placid Segokgo looked forward to hosting it one year later. It would be the first time the annual gathering took place on the continent.

“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 42 of Africa’s 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.”

The 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, Botswanan President Mokgweetsi Masisi highlighted the urgent 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.

Since its inception in 2017, the conference has brought together a broad group of the continent’s military leaders. Forty African military chiefs of defense or their representatives attended the inaugural event.

Over the years, the conference has grown, with 46 countries represented in the 2021 virtual edition, 36 countries participating in 2022 and 43 countries taking part in 2023, a record for in-person attendance.

Before this year’s conference, military expert Jakkie Cilliers, who founded the South Africa-based Institute for Security Studies, described a changing security landscape on the continent.

“Are we seeing a new model developing where African governments are considering alternative security arrangements, mostly by other African countries?” he told Voice of America. “And of course, the role of private companies is also increasing.

“The role of Russia and the [Africa Corps] is expanding. So, it’s clear that Africa is facing a security challenge, and partners can and should do as much as possible to help.”