By Abigael Gioche
The 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD25) officially opened in Nairobi this week, co-hosted by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and the Kenyan Ministry of Defence.
The high-level summit brought together top military leaders from 37 African nations alongside U.S. defense officials to tackle pressing security challenges facing the continent.
During the opening ceremony, Kenyan President William Ruto delivered a powerful address, advocating strongly for African-led responses to the region’s security dilemmas.
“We envision a future in which African states stand together in mutual defense of our sovereignty and values, where our military cooperation is not reactive, but proactive and strategic.”
He urged intensified regional cooperation in countering threats such as terrorism, violent extremism, and general instability, underscoring that lasting peace must be built on the foundation of African unity and collaborative efforts.
The conference serves as a vital forum, enabling military chiefs and defense specialists to exchange insights, foster mutual trust, and align strategies on key areas including maritime security, international peacekeeping operations, and counterterrorism measures.
AFRICOM Commander General Michael Langley highlighted the essence of collaboration as a platform for engagement.
“This conference is a vital platform for collaboration, allowing us to engage directly with our African partners to address layered threats from across the continent.”
Beyond mere dialogue, ACHOD25 signifies a broader commitment to strengthening defense ties between African nations and their global partners.
Through collective planning, enhancing capabilities, and fostering open communication, the summit aims to fortify joint actions towards achieving peace and stability across Africa.
As global security dynamics continue to evolve, the Nairobi conference represents a crucial step in empowering African voices to shape the continent’s defense future, affirming that meaningful progress stems from collaboration among states working towards shared objectives.