Former President Uhuru Kenyatta recently underscored the critical need for strong institutions to elevate security across the African continent. Speaking at Nigeria’s National Defence College (NDC) during the inauguration of Course 33 in Abuja, he urged African nations to prioritize building resilient internal frameworks as a foundation for effective regional partnerships.Kenyatta stated,
“The strength of nations forms the backbone of empowered regions. We must enhance our individual countries to cultivate a more united front.”
In his keynote address, he shared six pivotal lessons drawn from his leadership experiences, emphasizing the vital role that well-established institutions play in fostering sustainable development and ensuring national security. He particularly stressed the necessity of investing in the youth, advocating for the creation of tangible social and economic opportunities that are crucial for institutional resilience.
As a member of the African Union High-Level Panel for Ethiopia and a facilitator of the East African Community-led Nairobi Peace Process, Kenyatta shed light on the military’s integral role in national security, which must always function under civilian oversight. He emphasized the importance of credible electoral institutions as protectors of democracy, warning that a decline in public trust in these systems could detrimentally affect the quality of leadership.
You stand as the key defenders of constitutional governance. Success in this mission will pave the way for favorable regional effects as Nigeria steps forward to expand its influence,”
Moreover, he pointed out the urgent need for ethical management of public finances and equitable taxation to foster thriving markets, asserting that effective governance and transparency in public financial matters are essential.
Kenyatta observed that citizens across Africa are increasingly recognizing the social contract that binds them to their governments. With an estimated 70% of Africa’s population under the age of 30, he highlighted the pressing need to provide young people with real opportunities.
Today, the much-awaited demographic dividend of our youth has matured, and they are eager to seize their opportunities immediately,”
The launch of NDC Course 33 signifies an important event in Nigeria, marking the beginning of a new academic year at the nation’s foremost military training academy. Each course, including the newly established Course 33, convenes senior military personnel, government officials, and international delegates to immerse themselves in a rigorous curriculum aimed at enhancing strategic military leadership and expertise in both national and international security dynamics.
The NDC program is designed to equip its attendees with the necessary skills to confront contemporary security challenges through an emphasis on research, discussions, and policy recommendations.
As Africa navigates its security landscape, the insights shared by Kenyatta serve as a crucial reminder that building strong institutions and investing in the continent’s youth are fundamental steps toward a more secure and prosperous future.
