Accra Hosts 13th African Land Forces Summit: A Call for Collaborative Action Against Disinformation
Accra, Ghana – The 13th African Land Forces Summit concluded on Thursday, April 10, 2025, with a resounding call to action against the rising threat of disinformation. Major General Andrew Gainey, Commanding General of the US Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), addressed the assembled military leaders, emphasizing the critical need for international cooperation and synchronized efforts to combat this insidious challenge. He urged participants to leverage the summit as a platform to forge stronger partnerships and develop robust strategies to counter disinformation campaigns that endanger security across Africa and beyond.
The summit, co-hosted by SETAF-AF and the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), brought together senior land force commanders from across the African continent, along with representatives from partner nations, academics, and government officials. Held under the theme "Optimizing Land Forces for the Emerging Security Environment," the event provided a vital forum for exchanging information, strengthening relationships, and fostering collaboration on key security concerns. The choice of this year’s theme underscores the recognition of the evolving security landscape and the need for land forces to adapt and enhance their capabilities. Disinformation emerged as a central focus, highlighting its potential to destabilize regions and undermine national security.
General Gainey stressed the commitment of the United States Army to supporting its partners in developing the operational capacity to effectively combat disinformation. He highlighted the multifaceted nature of this threat, emphasizing that it requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach involving all stakeholders. The summit served as a critical platform for initiating and deepening these vital collaborations, fostering a united front against disinformation.
The African Land Forces Summit, now in its 13th year, has become a cornerstone of military cooperation and dialogue on the continent. Previous summits have been held in various locations, including the United States (2010 & 2022), Uganda (2012), Senegal (2015), Tanzania (2016), Malawi (2017), Nigeria (2018), Botswana (2019), Ethiopia (2020), Cote d’Ivoire (2023), and Zambia (2024). This rotating venue underscores the pan-African nature of the summit and the commitment of participating nations to address shared security challenges.
The summit’s focus on disinformation reflects the growing recognition of its potent impact on security. Disinformation campaigns, often spread through social media and other online platforms, can manipulate public opinion, incite violence, and undermine trust in institutions. In the context of African security, disinformation can exacerbate existing conflicts, fuel ethnic tensions, and disrupt democratic processes. By bringing together military leaders and other key actors, the summit aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and strategies to effectively counter these threats.
The United States’ involvement in co-hosting the summit underscores its commitment to supporting African partners in strengthening their security capabilities. SETAF-AF plays a crucial role in fostering military cooperation and capacity building across the African continent. Through partnerships like the African Land Forces Summit, the United States seeks to contribute to a more secure and stable Africa, recognizing that regional security is intrinsically linked to global stability. The emphasis on combating disinformation aligns with broader U.S. foreign policy objectives of promoting democracy, good governance, and respect for human rights. By working with African partners to counter disinformation, the United States aims to bolster resilience against malign influences and safeguard democratic values. This collaborative approach recognizes that disinformation transcends national borders and requires international cooperation to effectively address. The summit served as a valuable platform for enhancing this cooperation and developing joint strategies to counter the spread of disinformation and its destabilizing effects.
The concluding remarks by Major General Gainey emphasized the urgency of addressing the disinformation challenge, urging participants to translate the summit’s discussions into concrete actions. The summit provided a framework for future collaboration, paving the way for enhanced information sharing, joint training exercises, and the development of counter-disinformation strategies tailored to the specific context of African security. The success of these efforts will depend on sustained commitment from all stakeholders and the continued strengthening of partnerships between African nations and their international allies.
The co-hosting of the summit by Ghana further highlights the country’s commitment to regional security and its role as a key partner in promoting stability across Africa. The summit provides a platform for showcasing Ghana’s leadership in addressing security challenges and its dedication to fostering collaboration among African nations.
The theme of optimizing land forces for the emerging security environment underscores the dynamic nature of security threats and the need for continuous adaptation. Disinformation is just one facet of this complex landscape, which also includes terrorism, transnational crime, climate change, and other emerging challenges. The summit provided an opportunity to discuss these diverse threats and explore innovative solutions to enhance the effectiveness of land forces in addressing them.
The emphasis on relationship-building at the summit recognizes the crucial importance of trust and communication in effective security cooperation. By fostering strong personal connections between military leaders, the summit aimed to create a foundation for more seamless collaboration and information sharing. These relationships are essential for building a cohesive and coordinated response to shared security challenges.
Finally, the inclusion of academics and government leaders in the summit reflects the recognition that security is not solely a military issue. A comprehensive approach to security requires the involvement of all sectors of society, including civilian government agencies, academic institutions, and civil society organizations. The summit provided a platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration between these different stakeholders, recognizing that a whole-of-society approach is essential for addressing complex security challenges.
