The discussions come at a time when political stability, economic sovereignty and competition among global powers are playing an increasingly significant role in shaping Africa’s security and development priorities.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is in Ethiopia to represent Kenya at the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa, which officially opened in Bahir Dar on Saturday amid growing concerns over the militarisation of the Red Sea, attacks on commercial shipping and geopolitical competition in the Horn of Africa.

The forum, held under the theme “Pathways to Peace in Africa: Economic Sovereignty and Geopolitical Transformation”, has brought together African leaders, policymakers, researchers and security experts to discuss Africa’s peace and security challenges and its place in an evolving global order.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed African leaders ahead of the opening and held bilateral talks with them on strengthening cooperation and advancing issues of mutual interest.