President Paul Kagame has urged African nations to transform their approach to security by taking full responsibility for shaping their future rather than depending on outside assistance.
During the official launch of the first International Security Conference on Africa (ISCA) on Monday, May 19, in Kigali, Kagame presented three foundational pillars he believes are essential to ensuring long-term peace and stability on the continent: ownership, governance, and cooperation.
The two-day conference, themed “Reshaping Africa’s Landscape in a Dynamic, Complex Global Environment,” brought together top security, intelligence, and defense experts from across the continent and beyond to discuss pressing threats and formulate collaborative solutions.
Kagame emphasized that the continent must stop outsourcing its peace and security needs. He stressed that African countries need to own their security priorities and address internal gaps that attract external influence.
He advocated for stronger African institutions such as the African Union and its Peace and Security Council to take the lead in managing Africa’s affairs.
Highlighting governance as another crucial factor, Kagame underscored the link between strong leadership and security, warning that when governance fails, security is compromised. He called for building trust through inclusive politics, efficient institutions, and fair development.
On the third pillar cooperation Kagame pointed out that no African nation can deal with transnational threats like terrorism, cybercrime, and pandemics in isolation. He encouraged African-led solutions and innovation, citing the security exhibition at the conference as proof of Africa’s growing potential when it invests in its own capacities.
Kagame concluded by calling on participants to pair political commitment with expertise and ensure national strategies align with continental objectives.
Also addressing the opening session, Moussa Faki Mahamat, former Chairperson of the African Union Commission and current Chair of the ISCA Advisory Council, praised ISCA’s establishment as a much-needed space for African-led discourse and action on peace and security.
Faki warned that poor governance and youth marginalization are root causes of instability and called for clear strategies, consistent funding, and decisive action.
He stated that the newly launched ISCA will play a key role in providing evidence-based research, policy innovation, and inclusive dialogue to shape Africa’s security trajectory.
The ISCA summit continues with high-level meetings and private sessions set to chart concrete strategies toward a more stable and self-reliant continent.
The Secretary General of La Francophonie, Louise Mushikiwabo, attended and followed the proceedings closely.
Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, Minister of State for Regional Integration in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was also in attendance.
