The Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro), a prominent peace-building organisation, has called on Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, and Gabon to terminate foreign military presence within their territories as part of Africa’s broader demilitarisation efforts.
PeacePro’s executive director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, made the call, emphasising the importance of sovereignty and self-reliance in Africa’s security framework.
Hamzat said the appeal aligns with PeacePro’s declaration of 2025 as the “Year of Demilitarisation,” building on significant milestones achieved in 2024, when several African nations closed foreign military bases.
The group expressed delight that in 2024, it recorded unprecedented progress as countries like Senegal, Chad, Mali, Guinea, and Ivory Coast terminated agreements hosting foreign troops, signaling a shift toward self-determined security policies.
Hamzat urged Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, and Gabon to join this growing movement to restore Africa’s sovereignty.
“Foreign military presence often exacerbates instability under the guise of providing security. Africa must develop indigenous solutions to its challenges to achieve sustainable peace and development,” Hamzat said.
Hamzat said Djibouti hosts multiple foreign bases, including those of the U.S., China, and France and it has become a center for international military rivalry.
“In Somalia, foreign troops are present under anti-terrorism mandates and PeacePro insists on enhancing local capacities to handle security challenges.
“Kenya is known as a regional training hub for international forces and it is encouraged to invest in African-led security initiatives”
“Similarly, Gabon is a long-time host of French forces and Gabon is urged to follow the example of neighboring West African nations’, he
“We need an Africa where nations address security challenges with indigenous solutions, reducing dependence on external powers. This is the path to true independence and lasting peace,” he said further.