Rethinking Africa’s security and defence strategy

The Chairperson of the African Security Sector Network, Niagale Bagayoko, emphasized the importance of prioritizing the protection of civilians in Africa's security and defense strategies during an interview with CNBC Africa's Kenneth Igbomor at the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa. Bagayoko highlighted the need for modifications in the continent's response mechanisms to effectively deal with evolving security threats. She noted a significant shift in approaches, with African leaders demonstrating a strong desire for autonomy and diversification of security partnerships. This departure from reliance on international support signals a new era of African security initiatives. Bagayoko raised concerns about the inadequacies of existing security architectures in addressing the escalating conflict and insecurity across regions like the Sahel, West Africa, Central Africa, the Horn, and Mozambique. She pointed out that current mechanisms formulated in the '90s and early 2000s are ill-equipped to combat modern transnational threats and multidimensional dynamics that include terrorism, self-defense groups, criminal entities, and human rights violators. Bagayoko shed light on African leaders' shifting preferences for diverse partnerships rather than traditional alliances with Western powers. The interview also delved into the shortcomings of conflict management mechanisms, such as the African Union (AU) and ECOWAS intervention forces, which have faced challenges in mobilization. The discussion underscored the complexity of deploying standby forces in crises like the Sahel conflict. Bagayoko emphasized the need to update protocols on democracy, good governance, and human rights to effectively address regional instability caused by unconstitutional government changes. Reflecting on her expertise in peacebuilding, Bagayoko highlighted the flaws in current peace processes that prioritize standardization over context-specific approaches, stressing the importance of centering peacebuilding efforts around local realities. As the interview concluded, Bagayoko urged Africans to prioritize the protection of civilians in all security policies, emphasizing the critical role of population safety in shaping a secure and stable Africa.