Representatives from over 40 African states are meeting in Nairobi for a high-level defence forum for Special Operations Forces’ commanders in search of a united-front towards mitigating against evolving security challenges such as cyber threats and violent extremism
Other participants include US Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAF), policy makers, industry players and related professionals.
The forum dubbed Silent Warriors 2025, is organized by the Kenya Defence Force (KDF)’s Special Operations Forces Command in conjunction with the SOCAF under the theme “Evolving threats in Africa: SOF and the future of African security”.
It comes at a time when the region is experiencing complex security challenges marked by a rise in violent conflicts, the emergence of Africa as the current global centre for terrorists’ activities as well as political instability.
Speaking during its opening ceremony, US Embassy’s Charge d’Affaires Susan Burns noted the sacrifices made by Special Forces during operations and called for deeper collaborations towards a more secure region.
“Across Africa, special operations are the tip of the spear against violent extremism organisations, traffickers and malign actors exploiting instability. But as everyone knows, the threat is changing faster than ever, adapting to technology exploiting the governance space and leveraging on information warfare. A safer United States depends on a safer and more stable Africa,” she said as she urged more collaborations in the region.
Kenya has continued its collaboration with the US through the joint counterterrorism initiatives, the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) at Manda Bay and the expanding role of the Kenya Marines among other initiatives.
“As we talk about counter-drone capability, data fusion, cyber threats, and advanced sensing, let’s remember these systems are people, operators who put themselves at risk, so others can have a peace,” she added.
Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lt General John Omenda noted that the forum is happening at a time when the security landscape is continuing to evolve from the Sahel region to the Horn of Africa, from the Great Lakes region to the Gulf of Eden with the continent facing threats that are interwoven and transnational in nature hence the need for deeper collaborations.
“The nexus between violent extremism, terrorism, transnational organized crime, socio-economic vulnerabilities and emerging technological warfare demand us to collaborate deeply. Our shared values in matters of security and a strong interest to have a secure world provides us with a firm foundation upon which we can confidently pursue engagement in global peace…When the Special Operations Forces across the world collaborate, it becomes a force multiplier, sending a clear message to any adversary anywhere that there’s no vacuum across borders,” said the Lt General.
The forum will also discuss the integration of artificial intelligence, the expanding role of unmanned systems, cyber frontiers and so forth.
“The country stands firm as a reliable partner in pursuit of peace and stability. From our contributions to regional missions, counter terrorism operations, intelligence sharing across Africa and beyond, we remain guided by the belief that security is a shared responsibility,” Lt Gen Omenda assured.
Noting that SOFs operate in complex environments where the margin of error is minimal, the Vice CDF urged officers to at all times adhere to ethics, professionalism and the rule of law.
“It is precisely in this environment that discipline, integrity, respect of human rights and adherence to international norms must remain uncompromised,” he urged.
The Commander, SOCAF Maj Gen Claude Tudor recognised Kenya’s key role as a leader and collaborator in counter terrorism operations in the region.
“Kenya’s leadership in co-hosting this event underscores its commitment to African-led security solutions. Kenya is not only a trusted partner in countering terrorism across Africa, they are leaders across the continent and they continue to help us shoulder the challenges as they also export security across the globe. We are grateful for your continued collaboration,” he said.
“We will get a chance to see some of the latest technology and ideas that we can integrate into our formations. These emerging technologies will help us remain more relevant and more lethal on the battlefield while staying ahead of the threats that we face across the continent,” Major Gen Tudor added.
The Commander, Kenya Special Operations Forces Command, Brig John Kinyua said that the forum will help build trust and synergies towards collective interoperability.
“The conversations we will have here are fixed in the shared realities we face daily in our theatres of operations and they are focused on the tangible solutions we must develop together,” he said.
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