Faith Nyasuguta
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has issued a compelling call for Africa to take full ownership of its security agenda, emphasizing the need for homegrown solutions over reliance on external actors. Speaking at the inaugural International Security Conference on Africa (ISCA) held at the Kigali Convention Centre, Kagame highlighted the continent’s capacity to address its own challenges.
“Africa’s future, particularly in matters of peace and security, cannot be outsourced,” Kagame asserted. He criticized the longstanding approach of treating African security as a burden managed by others, often without the continent’s input or consent. “This approach has failed,” he stated, urging a shift towards self-reliance and strategic collaboration among African nations.
The two-day ISCA summit, themed “Reshaping Africa’s Landscape in a Dynamic, Complex Global Environment,” brought together over 600 delegates from 70 countries, including defense, intelligence, and security leaders. The conference aimed to foster dialogue on Africa’s security challenges and explore innovative, Africa-focused solutions.
Kagame emphasized the interconnectedness of governance and security, warning that the failure of one compromises the other. “Without both, there can be no trust or meaningful progress,” he noted. He also highlighted that security encompasses more than the absence of threats; it involves dignity, rights, and hope for the continent’s people.
The Rwandan leader’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where Rwanda has faced criticism for its alleged support of the M23 rebel group. Kagame has defended Rwanda’s actions, asserting the country’s right to protect its interests and criticizing external interference in African conflicts.
African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat echoed Kagame’s sentiments, stressing that Africa’s security cannot rely on imported solutions. “They must reflect our priorities and be backed by political will and resources,” Mahamat stated. He also pointed out that insecurity in Africa is often tied to structural failures such as poverty, inequality, and youth marginalization.
The ISCA summit also showcased African-led innovations in defense and security technology, demonstrating the continent’s potential to develop and implement effective solutions. Kagame urged African nations to scale up their capacities and build where they lack, emphasizing the importance of strategic, intentional, and innovative cooperation.
The conference marked a significant step towards establishing ISCA as a platform for strategic security dialogue and enhanced collaboration. It emphasized Rwanda’s growing role in international diplomacy and its commitment to advancing regional security initiatives .
As Africa continues to navigate evolving security challenges, leaders like Kagame advocate for a shift towards self-reliance and African-led solutions. The ISCA summit represents a move towards empowering the continent to take charge of its security and shape its future on its own terms.
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