A major shift in how African nations handle their own security is underway as leaders from across the continent gathered in Kigali, Rwanda, for the first International Security Conference on Africa (ISCA).
The event opened with a strong message: Africa must stop depending on outsiders for peace and stability and instead build its own lasting solutions.
Hosted in Rwanda’s capital, the summit kicked off with a call from President Paul Kagame, who said the time had come for African countries to stop treating security as someone else’s responsibility. He pointed out that for far too long, the continent’s peace issues have been managed by foreign actors, often with little understanding of the local conditions or long-term vision.
Kagame told the gathering that relying on outside help has not brought real results and that this method has failed both Africa and the wider world. He urged countries to recognize that their security future is in their own hands. His remarks set the tone for the conference, which aims to push for real action and stronger leadership from within the continent.
The summit brings together heads of state, security experts, and representatives of regional bodies such as the African Union. Their focus is on finding ways to better handle ongoing conflicts, terrorism threats, and political instability that continue to affect many parts of Africa. From the Sahel to the Horn of Africa and beyond, these problems demand tailored responses rooted in local knowledge and leadership.
A key point raised at the conference was the need to strengthen regional institutions so they can respond faster and more effectively. Kagame urged greater support for the African Union’s Peace and Security Council and other African mechanisms designed to keep the continent stable. He said these bodies must take the lead in planning and executing peace missions, rather than relying on international forces.
Delegates also discussed how to align political will with real expertise on the ground. They agreed that security cannot just be about military action but must include efforts to improve governance, boost economies, and give people hope. A common theme was the belief that a secure Africa must be built by Africans, based on African priorities.
As the summit continues, leaders are expected to lay out steps toward more coordinated defence strategies, better intelligence sharing, and smarter use of resources. The conference is seen as a critical moment for Africa to take control of its own peace agenda and shape the global conversation around conflict and security on its own terms.
By bringing top decision-makers together in one place, the Kigali summit sends a clear signal: Africa is ready to lead on security, and the world will need to listen.