Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, has urged African leaders to take ownership of emerging technologies to counter the rising threats of terrorism and insecurity across the continent.
Speaking at the 2025 Africa Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja, Mohammed warned that insurgent groups were already exploiting new technologies, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and artificial intelligence (AI), to destabilize nations.
“Africa is at the epicentre of global terrorism. In this new era of technology, insurgency groups are using tools meant for human advancement to wreak havoc. We cannot afford to be bystanders. Africa must take ownership, be proactive, and shape how these tools will be used,” she said.
The former Nigerian Minister of Environment noted that technology, while transformative, is increasingly being misused to spread hate, manipulate elections, and weaken democratic institutions.
She likened the dangers of today’s social media misinformation to the role of radio broadcasts in fuelling past genocides, warning that AI could amplify these risks at “terrifying speed.”
However, Mohammed stressed that technology also presents opportunities. Artificial intelligence, she said, is already being applied in conflict zones to identify food insecurity, predict displacement caused by climate shocks, and detect landmines.
“Soon, AI could help us spot patterns of unrest before violence erupts. But the same technology that offers solutions also carries profound risks,” she cautioned.
Calling for stronger regional defence partnerships, Mohammed emphasized that Africa’s fragmented approach leaves it vulnerable.
“When we act in isolation, we hand our adversaries their greatest advantage—our division. Regional cooperation is the linchpin of Africa’s security and defence. Despite the complexity of 54 countries with diverse policies and priorities, African forces continue to find ways to act together,” she said.
