Lagos – A report by ‘Think Security Africa’, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), on Friday called for new funding priorities for the military in Africa
It said this was necessary to enable it to surmount insecurity in the continent.
This was contained in a statement signed by Mr Joel Tavon, spokesman for the NGO and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
Think Security Africa (TSA) is an independent think tank specialising on security issues in Africa.
According to the statement Africa’s national defence environment has changed, thus requiring new budgetary priorities and administrative challenges.
It said that the report was aimed at ensuring that African military retain and develop the capacity to guarantee national defence.
It noted that 18 per cent of African military was impacted by existential crises, and 35 per cent were undertaking operations beyond normal peacetime activity.
“All this is occurring against a backdrop of increased budgetary uncertainty, mainly precipitated by the sharp drop in commodity prices.
“If the rise in military operations in Africa continues, alongside rising budgetary uncertainties, military and donors will likely have to change funding priorities to enhance the sustainability of operations.
“ In addition to this, militaries will have to cooperate more closely on the administrative and operational levels, and defence contractors will likely have to amend the way they market and supply,’’ the statement said.
It stressed the fact that for Africa to win the security challenges confronting it, efforts must be geared towards the removal of financial and administrative challenges.
The report also urged African militaries to consider joint procurement, at certain levels, and joint advocacy in order to remove debilitating administrative blocks. (NAN)
