PeacePro Urges African Nations To End Foreign Military Presence 

The Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro), a prominent peacebuilding organization, has called on Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, and Gabon to terminate foreign military presence within their territories as part of Africa’s broader demilitarization efforts.

The call was made by PeacePro’s Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, who emphasized the importance of sovereignty and self-reliance in Africa’s security framework.

This appeal aligns with PeacePro’s declaration of 2025 as the “Year of Demilitarization,” building on significant milestones achieved in 2024, when several African nations closed foreign military bases.

In 2024, PeacePro 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 stated.

Hamzat explained that, 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”. Hamzat said.

“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.

Hamzat stressed that demilitarization does not imply a vacuum in security but rather a transition to self-reliant and collaborative frameworks among African nations.

“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 noted.

The organization also appealed to the African Union (AU) and regional blocs such as IGAD and ECOWAS to champion the cause. By prioritizing indigenous capacity building, these institutions can lead the way in ensuring security and stability across the continent.

PeacePro set an ambitious target of achieving 80% demilitarization in Africa by the end of 2025. It also plans to expand its advocacy to other parts of the continent, fostering collaboration among nations to build sustainable security architectures.