Kenyan President William Ruto, who also serves as the African Union’s Champion for Institutional Reforms, revealed that Africa spends an estimated $18 billion every year to address the growing threats of terrorism, conflict, and political instability.

In his address at the African Union’s Retreat on Institutional Reforms, President Ruto highlighted the severe toll security issues are taking across the continent. He cited data showing that between April and June 2024, 1,000 terrorism-related incidents were recorded, leading to 4,818 fatalities.

Ruto emphasized that these incidents contribute to a broader humanitarian crisis, with Africa currently hosting 35 million internally displaced persons, 8.9 million refugees, and 1.1 million asylum seekers. The ongoing conflicts and security threats, he said, are stalling the continent’s growth, displacing millions, and costing billions of dollars annually.

“The continent is facing unprecedented challenges related to peace and security,” said Ruto. “Conflict continues to rob Africa of its potential and disrupt the lives of millions, with a staggering $18 billion spent every year in security-related costs.”

He further noted that Africa’s current security framework, under the African Union, is ill-equipped to address the increasingly complex security dynamics across the continent. As a result, he called for a complete overhaul of the AU’s peace and security architecture.

Ruto’s remarks come amid growing concerns from African leaders, including former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, who raised alarms about the AU’s dependence on external funding. Mahama argued that this reliance hinders the organization’s ability to set its own agenda and respond effectively to crises.

Source:TheDotNews