13th Africa Security Symposium ends with call for action

The Minister for the Interior, Mr Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has called on African countries to translate discussions on security into concrete actions, emphasising that sustained collaboration, innovation, and inclusive partnerships are essential to addressing the continent’s evolving security challenges.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 13th Africa Security Symposium (ASEC 2026) at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, the Minister said the success of the three-day conference would ultimately be measured by the implementation of the commitments made during the event.

“The true test of this symposium will not be the quality of our discussions alone, but the actions we take after we leave here,” he stated.

Mr Muntaka underscored the importance of African-led solutions, supported by strategic international partnerships, to effectively address emerging and complex security threats.

“Africa’s peace and security challenges require African leadership, but they also require trusted partnerships, practical solutions, and sustained cooperation across borders, sectors and institutions,” he said.

The Minister noted that participants engaged in extensive discussions on some of Africa’s most pressing security concerns, including counterterrorism and violent extremism, border security and transnational crime, cyber resilience, climate-driven insecurity, health security, peace operations, and aviation security.

He urged delegates to build on the momentum generated during the symposium by strengthening security frameworks that are adaptive, people-centred and capable of addressing future challenges.

“Let us leave Accra with renewed commitment. Let us continue to build African security frameworks that are responsive, inclusive, and future-ready. Let us ensure that innovation serves people, that technology strengthens institutions, and that cooperation leads to tangible improvements in peace, stability, and human security,” the Minister stressed.

The 13th Africa Security Symposium reaffirmed its position as the continent’s leading defence and security platform, providing a forum for governments, industry leaders and international partners to exchange ideas and develop practical solutions to Africa’s security challenges.

Held under the theme “Strengthening African Security Through Innovation and Inclusion,” ASEC 2026 brought together 415 delegates from 29 African countries, as well as technology providers and development partners from Europe, Asia and the Americas to deliberate on practical approaches to enhancing peace and security across the continent.