A high-level Sahrawi military delegation, led by Taleb Ammi Deih, Central Director of Operations and Inspection at the Ministry of National Defense, took part in the inaugural Conference of African Defense Ministers at the invitation of Ethiopia’s Ministry of Defense.
The conference, held at the Adwa Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa, began on Tuesday and was attended by numerous African defense ministers, senior military officials, and military attachés, along with researchers in military affairs. Themed “Africa: United in Peace, Strong in Security,” the event aimed to strengthen partnerships to combat terrorism, address global and regional security threats, and foster future cooperation.
The opening ceremony featured speeches from Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen, former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, and Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed. Minister Aisha emphasized the importance of collective action among African nations to tackle current security challenges, enhance military cooperation, and build partnerships to address terrorism and other threats. She also highlighted the goal of achieving self-sufficiency in military resources across the continent.
Babatunde Abayomi Taiwo, Head of Political Affairs and Counterterrorism at the African Union, praised Ethiopia’s role in promoting peace and security both in Africa and globally. He stressed the importance of unity among African leaders and militaries to confront ongoing conflicts, political instability, and economic challenges.
The three-day conference includes workshops on a variety of security issues, such as counterterrorism efforts and securing military resources for Africa’s self-reliance. Discussions will also cover the role of international peacekeeping missions, the fight against organized crime, and other pressing security concerns.
Alongside African military leaders, regional organizations like the North African Regional Capability (NARC) also attended, with the Sahrawi Republic participating alongside Algeria, Egypt, and Libya. The Sahrawi delegation, which also included Defense Ministry Adviser Yahdih El-Caid Saleh, the Permanent Representative to Ethiopia and the African Union Lamine Baali, and media attaché Rgueibi Abdallah, held meetings with counterparts to discuss security challenges and joint military cooperation.