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The second edition of the Africa Military Games officially kicked off on Wednesday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, Nigeria, marking a momentous return after a 22-year hiatus. The event, which first began in 1966, is a celebration of African military prowess and a unique convergence of security, sports, and culture across the continent.
This year’s opening ceremony was presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces. The games are a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to use sports as a diplomatic tool to foster unity, promote peace, and encourage cross-border collaboration among African nations.
In his keynote speech, Vice President Shettima praised the games as a vital platform for strengthening African security, cultural exchange, and unity. He expressed pride in the games’ long-standing tradition of bolstering military ties and enhancing regional cooperation. The Vice President also commended the Organisation for Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), the governing body of the event, and the 26 participating nations for advancing Pan-Africanism through their commitment to peace and unity.
“This initiative keeps the fire of brotherhood burning,” Shettima remarked, emphasizing the games’ crucial role in enhancing solidarity across the continent. He also pointed out that the games, which feature both athletic competitions and military displays, serve as a reminder of the critical importance of defense cooperation in maintaining peace and stability in Africa.
The Africa Military Games, which were established to promote military sports and foster collaboration between African armed forces, were last held in 2002 in Kenya. Since then, the event had been suspended due to various logistical and political challenges. Its revival this year is seen as a crucial step toward strengthening ties among African nations and enhancing military diplomacy.M
