Ruto calls for stronger Pan-African Defence cooperation at ACHOD25

President William Ruto has called for deeper collaboration, strategic partnerships to tackle Africa’s evolving security challenges during the opening of the 2025 Africa Chiefs of Defence Conference (ACHOD25) in Nairobi.

Speaking at the forum co-hosted by Kenya and the United States, President Ruto underscored Africa’s readiness to define its own security agenda amid transnational threats such as terrorism, cyberattacks, and environmental degradation.

“True security in Africa must be continental in ambition and collaborative in execution,” President Ruto said. “We must invest in unity as a practical strategy for resilience.”

With over 60pc of Africa’s population under the age of 25 and vast natural resources, Ruto said the continent is well-positioned to lead in global food security, the green energy transition, and industrial growth.

He lauded the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and development projects like the Great Green Wall as steps in the right direction.

However, he warned that instability and insecurity threaten this promise, calling for a renewed focus on African-led security solutions, unified defence strategies, and proactive peace operations.

President Ruto thanked the U.S. for its support in co-hosting the event, noting its critical role in regional peacebuilding. He also encouraged delegates to explore Kenya’s diverse attractions during their stay, from the Maasai Mara to the Indian Ocean coast.

The ACHOD25 gathering brings together Chiefs of Defence, policymakers, and global security partners for dialogue on building a robust, Africa-led defence framework.