Buratai Calls for Strengthened Peace-Time Interoperability Among African Land Forces

Kigali, Rwanda — October 22, 2025

Former Nigerian Chief of Army Staff and ex-ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd) has called on African military leaders to strengthen interoperability and communication systems during peace time, emphasizing that effective collaboration should not begin only when conflicts erupt.

Buratai made this call while speaking during a panel session at the Land Forces Commanders Symposium (LFCS) 2025, held in Kigali, Rwanda, from October 20 to 22, 2025. The annual forum brought together senior army chiefs, defence officials, and strategic thinkers from across Africa and beyond to discuss the theme:

“Leveraging Land Forces Capabilities for Enhanced Implementation of Peace and Security Strategies.”

Hosted by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), the symposium deliberated on contemporary defence and security issues affecting Africa’s military. One of the sub-themes discussed by Gen Buratai is ‘Enhancing Interoperability among Land Forces in Africa and beyond,’ which explored the technical, procedural, and human dimensions necessary for joint military effectiveness.

Buratai’s Practical Reflections on Africa’s Security Cooperation

In his remarks, Buratai expressed appreciation to the Rwanda Defence Force for the invitation, recalling his last visit to Kigali in 2017 as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff. Reflecting on his experiences, he stressed that Africa’s defence forces must establish mechanisms for rapid, reliable communication and coordination during peace, not only in crisis situations.

“We don’t have to wait until operations begin before we start communicating efficiently,” he noted. “There must be a deliberate effort to create seamless, continent-wide communication frameworks among our armies.”

Citing his experience as Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF)—which comprises troops from Nigeria, Chad, Niger, Cameroon, and Benin Republic—Buratai highlighted that “Incompatibility of communication systems, disparities in training and doctrine, and non-standardized equipment often limit our collective effectiveness,” he said.
“We must harmonize training, doctrines, and communication standards under the auspices of the African Union and regional blocs like ECOWAS and SADC.”

Lessons from Past Peacekeeping Operations

Drawing on Nigeria’s experience in ECOMOG operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone, Buratai warned that fragmented logistics, communication gaps, and differing rules of engagement among allied forces create friction that undermines mission success.

He also referred to challenges faced in AMISOM and AU missions in Sudan, noting recurring issues in logistics coordination, medical evacuation, and unified command structures.

“The lesson is clear — interoperability must begin from peace time,” he stressed. “Once it is tested and institutionalized in peace, it transitions smoothly into operations.”

Strategic Vision for Africa’s Defence Collaboration

Buratai’s intervention aligned with earlier remarks by President Paul Kagame, who urged African leaders to “challenge assumptions” and develop a new culture of collaboration that transcends borders and bureaucratic barriers. Kagame emphasized that Africa’s security challenges demand shared responsibility and professional cooperation among armed forces.

Pne of the symposium’s moderators, Brig. Gen. Patrick Kuretwa, Director General of International Military Cooperation at Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence, described interoperability as the ability of allied militaries to act together coherently, efficiently, and effectively to achieve tactical and strategic objectives.

“This symposium is timely and very necessary,” Buratai said. “It challenges us to think strategically and act collectively to enhance peace and stability on our continent.”

About the Land Forces Commanders Symposium

The Land Forces Commanders Symposium (LFCS) is a continental platform that brings together African army chiefs and senior officers to discuss shared security priorities, exchange operational experiences, and develop coordinated frameworks for peace support and defense cooperation.

The 2025 edition, held in Kigali, featured high-level participation from East, West, Central, and Southern African militaries, as well as international partners. Discussions focused on Rethinking Land Operations in the Era of Drone Warfare, Promoting Bilateralism as a Complementary Option to Multilateralism to Achieve Peace and Security, among others is not only timely; but it is a must for African Land Forces and African-led security solutions in response to evolving continental securitychallenges.

TINUBU SHAKE-UP: PRESIDENT REPLACES SERVICE CHIEFS, APPOINTS OLUYEDE AS NEW DEFENCE CHIEF

In a decisive move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s national security architecture, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced sweeping changes in the leadership of the Armed Forces, appointing new Service Chiefs with immediate effect.

According to a statement issued by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, the President approved the appointment of General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa.

Also appointed are Major-General W. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as the new Chief of Naval Staff.
Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

President Tinubu expressed profound appreciation to the outgoing Service Chiefs for their “patriotic service and dedicated leadership,” commending their contributions to the stability and unity of the nation.

He charged the newly appointed military heads to justify the confidence reposed in them by enhancing professionalism, vigilance, and comradeship across the Armed Forces.

“This administration remains committed to a secure, united, and peaceful Nigeria. I expect the new Service Chiefs to bring renewed energy, discipline, and innovation to our security operations,” the statement read in part.

The appointments, which take immediate effect, signal what analysts describe as a strategic recalibration of Nigeria’s security command to tackle persistent national and regional threats.

Nigeria’s Funmi Oribayo Shines at Miss Globe World 2025, Makes Top 10 Among 80 Countries

Nigeria’s representative to the Miss Globe World 2025 beauty pageant, Miss Funmi Oribayo, has made the nation proud after making it to Top 10 finalists at the recently concluded global competition held in Tirana, Albania.

Miss Oribayo, who emerged as Miss Globe Nigeria 2025 after a highly competitive national pageant, walked tall among stunning contestants from 80 countries across the world to secure her place in the top 10—an impressive feat that further highlights Nigeria’s growing presence on the global beauty stage.

The 22nd edition of the Miss Globe World Pageant took place on October 15, 2025, at the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, Albania, with Miss Thailand, Chayathanus Saradatta, crowned as The Miss Globe 2025 by her predecessor, Colombian-born Diana Moreno.

Representing Nigeria with grace, elegance, and intellect, Miss Oribayo captivated the audience with her poise and inspiring advocacy. Hailing from Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State, the proud Nigerian beauty queen is a farmer, serial entrepreneur, and graduate of English from the University of Lagos.

Speaking after her return, the elated Miss Oribayo expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to represent Nigeria on the global stage. She also revealed her plans to pay a courtesy visit to the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to share her experiences from the pageant and her aspirations to serve as a youth ambassador promoting empowerment, education, and entrepreneurship among young Nigerians.

Her remarkable achievement at Miss Globe World 2025 is not only a personal triumph but also a celebration of Nigerian beauty, talent, and determination on the international scene.