daniel chigunwe
Talent Chimutambgi
Herald Reporter
The shifting geopolitical dynamics emanating from soaring conflicts, compounded by the adverse climate-induced disasters, are threatening global peace and security, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiria said yesterday.
Speaking during the ongoing Aero India Exhibition and Ministers’ Conclave underway in India, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri bemoaned the increase in global conflicts.
The Ministers’ Conclave is a platform where ministers and stakeholders in defence and security come together to consolidate their security sectors with a shared vision for the benefit of humanity.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said the platform was becoming a forum for global peace and security with a view of coming up with sustainable solutions in the quest for a peaceful and secure world, through new technologies and innovations in aviation.
The initiative is expected to entrench multilateral relations among African countries and India. “It is pleasing that the Aero India show continues to grow in scope offering us great opportunities to witness the latest innovations and technologies in the aviation and defence industry. Military technology is indeed increasingly becoming integral to global peace and security given the non-traditional threats that are bedevilling our globe,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.
“It is pleasing that the conclave is coming at a time when India-Africa relations are growing from strength to strength as demonstrated by the continued participation of African countries at this event,” she said.
“Our meeting is taking place on the backdrop of a shifting geopolitical environment and the rise in conflicts in many parts of the world, mainly in the Middle East and parts of Africa,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.
She highlighted that these catastrophes confronting the world, were reversing the gains that have been made in the attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, thereby exposing vulnerable groups.
“The global peace and security environment is being made more complex by the increasing recurrence of natural disasters with most emanating from climate change,” she said.
“This is rolling back socio-economic achievements made in recent years towards the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals and are impacting the vulnerable most, that is women, children, the disabled and the elderly,” she added.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said recurring droughts owing to the adverse effects of climate change were increasing vulnerability among people.
These unwelcome developments require the defence forces to think outside the box.
“In recent years, Southern Africa, in particular, has experienced severe droughts and flooding caused by cyclones. During the 2023-2024 rain season, the region experienced the worst drought in living memory.
“The current season experienced floods that destroyed some parts of our region. This development prompted members of the defence forces to be increasingly involved in national and regional disaster preparedness mechanisms, and this calls for the modernisation and redesigning of our defence forces.
“This new phenomenon requires mutual bilateral and multilateral cooperation for us to exchange experiences and best practices,” she said. Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri lauded the India-Africa relations that were facilitating economic growth through forums like the BRICS+.
“India has been increasingly investing in Africa and also leading in the opening of markets for African goods and services, and in addition, continues to avail fair credit lines through its membership of the BRICS.
“Trade relations between the Republic of India and Africa are underpinned by diverse economic engagements with both governments and the private sector. As a result, trade between India and Africa continues to grow, making India our Africa’s third largest trading partner, after China and the European Union.”
Meanwhile, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri signed a memorandum of understanding on behalf of the Government with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Online Reporter