African Defense Force Heads Laud Ethiopia’s Unwavering Role for Peace, Security of Continent

Addis Ababa, July 28, 2026 (ENA) — Heads of African Defense Forces attending the five-day 2026 African Logistics and Communications Symposium have commended Ethiopia’s longstanding leading role in peace and security of the continent.

Speaking to ENA, Uganda People's Defense Forces Air-Force Director of Logistics, Colonel William Wabwire, said Ethiopia's commitment in promoting peace and security in the entire African continent is really manifested through what is being done.

“I understand Ethiopia is contributing troops in quite a number of missions across the entire region. For example, in Somalia and other places in the entire Africa.”

Colonel Wabwire also highlighted the significance of cooperation among countries and managing logistics and communication.

“We need to understand how our logistics must work, and we need to understand how our communication must enhance in the entire Africa. Cooperating is very crucial, and working together is very key. We cannot work in isolation.”

According to him, what Ethiopia has done together with other African countries by hosting this important symposium is very important; and it is one of the ways to promote peace and security.

Similarly, Benin Army Headquarters Head of Cabinet, Colonel Adegnika Serges, stated that Ethiopia is a very great nation in Africa and has done a lot for Africa as the seat of the African Union.

The country is doing many things regarding regional security and also at the continental level, he noted, appreciating Ethiopia for playing a major role on the continent.

Colonel Serges said he hopes that Ethiopia will continue playing a major role in the future for the continent.

He further pointed out the significance of strengthening collaborations among countries to fight against rising challenges at the continental level.

The Head also underscored the need to reinforce cooperation to better handle the challenges of today and to think about the challenges in the future.

For his part, Kenya Defense Forces Communication Officer, Colonel Richard Kipkurui, said being the headquarters of the African Union vividly portrays Ethiopia's longstanding leading role at the continental level.

This African Logistics and Communications Symposium “could not be hosted in a better place than here in Addis Ababa”, he added.

African problems can better be solved by Africans themselves, Colonel Kipkurui said, stressing the need for Africans to drive the continent’s agenda, encouraging Ethiopia to continue playing its leading role as the headquarters of the AU.

Emphasizing the role of collaboration and the need for everybody to be on board, he said “Cooperation is very important now. In this era and age you cannot operate alone because we all face the same challenges”.

The 2026 African Logistics and Communications Symposium, co-hosted by Ethiopia and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), opened in Addis Ababa on Monday, bringing together military leaders, defense experts, and industry partners.