How Kenya and Africa Can Position Themselves as Global Security Players Amid Shifting Geopolitics

On Thursday, April 9, 2026, Kenya hosted security and intelligence leaders from around the world at the Mashariki Cooperation Conference in Diani with a rallying call urging Africa to move from being a passive player in global power struggles to actively shaping international security.

The high-level forum, held at Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort, brought together delegates from 76 countries, including Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Intelligence Service Director General Noordin Haji, and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, alongside ambassadors and heads of intelligence agencies.

The 2026 conference, themed “Emerging Geopolitical Dynamics and Africa’s Security Architecture,” comes amid growing global uncertainty, marked by shifting alliances, rising conflicts, and rapid technological change.

Kenya and Africa Urged to Position Themselves for a Bigger Role in Global Security

Speaking at the opening of the forum, CS Murkomen said Africa should stop being used by foreign powers and take its rightful place in global security decisions.

“This conference comes at an inflexion point in the world’s security landscape. This necessitates a shift in strategic insights and enhanced intelligence cooperation to proactively tackle the multidimensional, borderless and intertwined security challenges,” he said.

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He warned that technological advancements, including artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies, are creating new vulnerabilities while amplifying existing threats such as disinformation, cybercrime, and the targeting of critical infrastructure.

Murkomen called for stronger intelligence integration, regional cooperation, and data-driven strategies to help African states anticipate and respond to emerging threats.

Security as the Foundation of Development

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi stressed that peace and security are central to economic growth, arguing that no country can achieve its development goals without stability.

“The economic value of peace and security outweighs many of the material investments pursued by states,” he said.

He urged African nations to strengthen collaboration across borders, institutions, and sectors, noting that modern security challenges are too complex for any single country to handle alone.

Mudavadi also raised concerns about emerging trends such as the “privatisation of peace” and “privatisation of security,” warning that increased reliance on private actors could undermine accountability, human rights, and state authority.

Strengthening Intelligence Cooperation

NIS Director General Noordin Haji said the Mashariki Cooperation Conference has grown into a key platform for intelligence collaboration, expanding from a regional initiative to a global forum with participation from across Africa and beyond.

“The threats we face are increasingly complex, transnational, and evolving in nature,” he said, citing terrorism, organised crime, and technological risks.

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Haji noted that the conference aims to strengthen intelligence sharing, build joint capacity, and enhance coordinated responses to emerging threats, especially in light of global conflicts whose impacts extend far beyond their regions.

Lessons from Conflict and Leadership

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo shared his long experience in resolving conflicts in Africa.

He pointed out that weak institutions, outside interference, and competition for resources cause instability in the continent.

He noted that many conflicts could be prevented if intelligence warnings were acted upon early.

“The information exists. What is often missing is the institutional will to act on it,” he said.

He also called for stronger early warning systems and closer cooperation between intelligence services and political leaders.

Obasanjo also warned against external actors fuelling conflicts while pursuing their own interests, urging African countries to prioritise self-reliance and strategic coordination.

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