Nigeria's Defence Chief, USA Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Discuss Strategies To Combating Threats By Terror Organisations

The need for effective strategies to combat threats by terror organizations causing instability across the globe formed the basis of a meeting between Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff,  (CDS ) General Christopher  Musa and the United States Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles Brown Jr. who met on the sideline of the African Chiefs of Defence Conference.

General Christopher Musa attended the conference co-hosted by United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) and Botswana Defence Force, Gaborone, Botswana between 24 to 26 June 2024 with the theme; "Together on the Rampart: Expanding Cooperation and Sharing Values". 

The Conference was officially opened by the  Botswana President, Dr Mokgwetsi  Eric Keanetswe  Masisi with about  42 countries in attendance. The regular meeting is to afford the Africa Chiefs of Defence Staff the opportunity to forge a common goal towards arresting insecurity in the continent. 

The Nigerian Defence Chief was a lead panelist on "Peacekeeping, Counter terrorism/violent extremism  and crises response operations". The Objectives of the panel discussion was to enhance operational readiness through best practices and integration using technology as a ready tool for effective results

The conference tagged 'African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD)' is a premier forum for military leaders from across the African continent to address critical security challenges through dialogue, knowledge exchange, and partnership-building. It also aims to foster regional stability and enhance collective security efforts. 

This year marked the first time the United States has co-hosted the African Chiefs of Defence Conference with an African nation and the first time the conference took place in Africa. since the first ACHOD Conference in 2017. 

Aside sharing ideas to bolster stability, security, human rights and prosperity among the 53 nations in, the discuss also focussed on challenges in deterring threats and building for crises response. 

The Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer, attended the African Chiefs of Defense Conference and delivered a speech on security governance and partnerships.  

The African Chiefs of Defense Conference has served as a forum for senior military leaders across the continent to convene and collaborate in advancing shared goals for a safer, more prosperous Africa Since 2017, with last edition taking place in Rome, Italy.