Arusha RC calls for effective protection of natural resources against global security threats

ARUSHA: AFRICAN countries have been urged to strengthen the protection of their natural resources to ensure sustainable development, economic prosperity and resilience against emerging global security threats.

The call was made by the Arusha Regional Commissioner, Amos Makalla during the opening of the National Security Symposium organised by the Tanzania Command and Staff College on in the region on Sunday noting that Africa’s future depends on the ability of its nations to formulate and implement strategies that reflect the continent’s realities and priorities.

Additionally, Mr Makalla noted that Africa is richly endowed with resources capable of driving development and economic growth if properly managed, stressing the need to safeguard them against exploitation and external threats in order to strengthen the continent’s security and unity.

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The RC also underscored the importance of innovation and regional cooperation in addressing various challenges facing Africa, saying sustainable development must go hand in hand with the continent’s security agenda.

For his part, the Commandant of the Tanzania Command and Staff College, Major General Stephen Justice Mkande, said the symposium, held under the theme “Africa’s Sustainable Development for National Security,” had provided an important platform for sharing experiences and discussing new strategies for tackling security challenges.

Moreover, he said that Africa’s founding leaders had laid a strong foundation of strategic thinking for the continent’s development and security.

The two-day symposium brought together military stakeholders from several African countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Africa, Namibia and Botswana.