Addis Ababa set to host Africa Security Symposium later this month

Addis Ababa, May 10, 2024 (FBC) – Separate defense oriented events on the eastern and western sides of Africa this month have a common denominator – partnerships, according to a report from Defense Web, a prominent African defense news portal.

ASEC (Africa Security Symposium) is scheduled for the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa on 22 and 23 May with the third African Air Forces Forum (AAFF) in the Nigerian capital Abuja on the same dates.

ASEC 2024 will be number 11 with the organizers noting it as “a truly pan-African event” supported by the African Union Commission (AUC), the United Nations (UN) as well as Interpol, non-government organizations (NGOs) and governments via departments responsible for defense, interior or home affairs and police.

In a welcoming address, ASEC conference chair Motuma Mekassa, a former Ethiopian defense minister, notes the world witnessed “an unprecedented evolution of security threats, ranging from terrorism to the deterioration of peace” both in and across countries.

He sees the Ethiopia symposium as a platform for sharing insights, engaging in meaningful discussions and collaboratively seeking solutions.

“Through open dialogue and the exchange of ideas, we aim to identify innovative approaches that leverage the strengths of both private and public sectors in ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities.”

The Abuja event, AAFF, is said to be an air show on the Saturday post the forum at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base (AFB Kaduna) just on 200km from Abuja to mark the force’s 60th anniversary

Across the continent in Abuja, the theme for the AAFF leans heavily on the force’s 60 years of service.