NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 1 – Military chiefs from across Africa have convened in Luanda for the 2026 African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD), with growing threats from violent extremist groups, transnational crime and drug trafficking dominating discussions on continental security.
The three-day conference, co-hosted by the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and the Angolan Armed Forces, kicked off on June 30 in Luanda and runs through July 2.
It brings together senior military leaders to strengthen regional cooperation against cross-border security threats and explore new approaches to promoting peace, stability and economic development.
Commenting on the Conference, Angola’s Minister of State and Head of the Military Affairs Cabinet, Gen. (Rtd.) João Ernesto dos Santos, said the continent’s security challenges require stronger regional and international partnerships.
“Angola is very proud to co-organize and host the African Chiefs of Defence Conference, a privileged forum for dialogue on security, stability and prosperity,” he said.
“History has taught us that peace is not a permanent privilege, but one that requires sacrifice, commitment and cooperation. Regional and international partnerships are indispensable to building capacity to ensure our respective territorial integrity, security and stability.”
AFRICOM Commander Gen. Dagvin Anderson warned that terrorist networks and international drug trafficking syndicates continue to exploit porous borders, making closer collaboration among African militaries increasingly critical.
“Several of the threats that we face with the violent extremists or the drug cartels that are increasing their trafficking don’t respect borders. They themselves have created an international network,” Anderson said.
“That means that we have to work together in order to address these threats, and that’s why it’s so important to have conferences like this… so we can move forward together.”
Throughout the conference, defence chiefs will hold bilateral meetings, panel discussions and working sessions aimed at strengthening cooperation against transnational threats while expanding military partnerships across the continent.
Discussions are focused on securing the global commons, operating in the information domain, countering disinformation, and harnessing innovation and economic development to enhance regional stability.
Experts are also expected to examine the responsible use of emerging technologies, including drones, in modern military operations, as well as the relationship between economic growth and long-term security.
The conference will also feature a virtual address by U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and remarks by former Angolan Minister of State Dr. Carlos Da Silva Feijo.
The African Chiefs of Defense Conference serves as the continent’s premier forum for senior military leaders to coordinate responses to shared security challenges, strengthen regional partnerships and promote conditions that support sustainable peace and economic growth.
