Africa: African Defence Chiefs Meet in Kampala to Strengthen Cooperation On Non-Combat Operations

What the report says

African defence chiefs and senior officers from several countries met in Kampala for a conference focused on military operations other than conventional warfare, according to the report distributed by AllAfrica from Shabelle Media Network. The gathering also included representatives of the African Union and regional organisations, underscoring a broader push for continental security coordination.

The discussions centered on non-combat roles for armed forces, including peacekeeping, disaster response and emergency support. Participants examined how African militaries can work together more effectively when facing security and humanitarian challenges that do not fit traditional battlefield operations. The organisers said the Kampala meeting was the first of its kind at the level of African defence chiefs dedicated specifically to this subject.

Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni formally closed the conference and emphasized cooperation, coordination and joint action among African armed forces in non-traditional operations. The report said Somalia’s participation was part of its wider security engagement as its forces continue to take on major national security responsibilities and adapt to changing international support arrangements.

The meeting reflects a growing interest in African-led security cooperation, especially in areas such as civilian protection, disaster relief and support to authorities during crises. While the article did not provide a detailed outcome, it presented the conference as a venue for sharing experience and strengthening joint preparedness across the continent.