Security Experts and Military Leaders Call for Collective Intelligence to Combat Emerging African Threats

Security experts and military leaders across Africa are being urged to foster deeper collaboration and enhance preparedness to address a new generation of complex security challenges. During high-profile events in Accra, including the General Assembly of the Association of Conflict, Peace and Security Experts in Africa (ACPSEA) and the 50th Anniversary of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), speakers emphasized that traditional military responses alone are no longer sufficient. The calls come at a critical time as the continent grapples with a volatile mix of political instability, food insecurity, and the rising threat of violent extremism.

Brigadier General Lawrence Deku, Deputy Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), highlighted the necessity of shifting toward "collective intelligence." Speaking at the ACPSEA induction ceremony, where 77 new members from across the continent were admitted, General Deku argued that security practitioners must move away from isolated interventions. He advocated for a model where local communities are viewed as active participants and contributors to security efforts rather than mere beneficiaries. This sentiment was echoed by ACPSEA President Isaac Asare, who stressed the importance of early conflict resolution measures and the maintenance of high professional standards within the field.

Parallel to these discussions, businessman Thomas Svanikier addressed graduating officers at the GAFCSC, urging them to anticipate emerging "grey zone" threats such as cyber-attacks, global epidemics, and natural disasters. Svanikier emphasized that modern leadership requires the abandonment of ego in favor of intelligence-sharing with African military counterparts and robust contingency planning. Drawing on strategies from the private sector’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, he encouraged the military to adapt its training programs to meet rapidly changing global security dynamics while maintaining integrity and humility.

The convergence of these perspectives underscores a growing consensus that Africa’s security architecture must become more proactive and integrated. By combining the grassroots knowledge exchange promoted by ACPSEA with the strategic, technology-focused preparedness advocated at GAFCSC, the continent aims to build a more resilient defense against both traditional and non-traditional threats. The overarching goal remains the establishment of a stable environment where peacebuilding is sustained through mentorship, professional excellence, and a commitment to selfless service across all levels of command.