For Africa to overcome the security challenges plaguing the continent, priority must be given to community engagement.
This was emphasised by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), at the 18th Annual International Conference and General Assembly of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice in Kaduna.
The theme of the conference, “Community Engagement: Networking Kinetic and Non-Kinetic Capabilities for Tackling Insecurity in Africa,” underscored the necessity of community engagement as a critical strategy to tackle insecurity in Africa.
General Martin Luther Agwai(rtd), explained that insecurity is rooted in issues such as poverty, unemployment, political instability, and social inequality, all of which require a comprehensive approach to address.
The Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Air Vice Marshall Sunday Aneke who delivered the Commandant’s address, recognised the significant role of non-kinetic approaches in addressing insecurity.
President of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice Nathaniel Awuapila emphasised the imperative of integrating both kinetic and non-kinetic methods to create a more effective and holistic response to security threats.
A Professor of political science Freedom Onuoha in his lecture ‘Prioritising Community Engagement in Integrating Kinetic and Non-Kinetic Responses to Curb Insecurity in Africa’.emphasised that community engagement is essential for ensuring the sustainability, success, and impact of security management.
The consensus among discussants at the conference was that a comprehensive approach is essential for creating sustainable solutions to the continent’s security challenges.
Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie
