The Association of African Defence Attachés in Washington, DC, and the International Institute for African Defence, Security and Governance (IIADSGOV), have strengthened ties to foster dynamic responses to Africa’s evolving security challenges.

It also emphasized that innovation and partnerships, particularly with organised private sector actors like IIADSGOV, are critical in responding to the continent’s fast-changing security environment.

The former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), while speaking during a courtesy visit to the Association, said that Africa’s security landscape demands adaptive strategies, combining both traditional and emerging approaches, driven by collaboration, information-sharing, and mutual support.

The retired general stressed the importance of integrity, discipline, and professionalism in defence leadership, adding that African defence attachés serve as “custodians of peace, catalysts for stability, and advocates of professionalism within our armed forces.”

In a statement, Agwai also tied his message to the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a peaceful and prosperous Africa led by African-driven solutions.

Agwai said: “Africa is a continent brimming with potential, rich in resources, vibrant in culture, and resilient in spirit. Yet, it faces persistent challenges, from peacekeeping and counter-terrorism to sustainable development and good governance.

“Our collective responsibility is to ensure that we transform these challenges into opportunities for the good of our beloved people. This requires unwavering commitment, strategic foresight, and above all, unity among us as defence professionals and stakeholders.

“As defence attaches and security experts, we are the custodians of peace, catalysts for stability, and advocates of professionalism within our armed forces.

“Let us remember that true leadership in defence is rooted not just in capacity and strength but also in integrity, discipline, and the unwavering commitment to serve our nations and peoples. It is incumbent upon us to foster trust, enhance cooperation, and share knowledge to build resilient security architectures across Africa.

“In this era of rapid technological change and evolving threats, innovation and partnerships are critical. Africa’s security landscape demands dynamic responses, leveraging both traditional and emerging approaches, driven by collaboration, information-sharing, and mutual support, working with organised private sectors like our institute.”

He said indigenous leadership was vital to ensure strategies remain sustainable, culturally relevant, and rooted in the values of African societies.

He stressed that African-led efforts in security and governance strengthen sovereignty, reduce dependency on external actors, and build a continent capable of maintaining peace and stability autonomously.

In his remarks, the Dean of the Association, Brig.-Gen. Philip Nyamali, Defence Attaché of the Republic of Malawi, praised IIADSGOV for promoting African defence and governance through foreign military sales, direct commercial sales, and specialised training programmes.

He urged the institute to sustain its cooperation with the Association by sharing timely information on upcoming conferences and training opportunities so that member countries can fully benefit from its initiatives.