Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, former President of the ECOWAS Commission, has urged the creation of a unified African Defence Force to address security challenges and protect the continent’s sovereignty.
Speaking at the 13th Zik Lecture Series in Awka, Chambas emphasized that a collective military strategy is vital for combating terrorism, insurgency, and external exploitation. The lecture, held in honour of the late statesman Nnamdi Azikiwe, focused on “Zik Legacies and Rising Social Movements in Africa: Rethinking Regional Integration in Africa.”
Chambas, currently the Chair of the African Union High-Level Panel on Sudan, highlighted the limitations of individual nations in tackling security threats.
“Terrorism and insurgency in regions like the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, and Central Africa demand collective action. A unified African Defence Force would enable countries to share intelligence, strategize collectively, and neutralize threats efficiently,” he said.
He proposed that an African Navy could safeguard coastal areas from illegal fishing and piracy, especially in vulnerable zones such as the Gulf of Guinea. Chambas also noted that a unified force would protect Africa’s natural resources, secure borders, and deter neocolonial exploitation.
“As Zik envisioned, a stable and self-reliant Africa can resist foreign interference and prioritize its own interests,” he added.
Chambas further argued that a common defence strategy would reinforce human rights, promote democratic governance, and stabilize the continent, aligning with Nnamdi Azikiwe’s vision of African dignity and self-determination.
The annual Zik Lecture Series, organized to honor Azikiwe’s legacy, continues to inspire discussions on Africa’s future and integration efforts.
