Africa is a diverse and dynamic continent that has registered significant economic gains but transnational and domestic security threats often hinder this progress.

This is one of the concerns raised Tuesday during the official kick-off of the Africa Air Chiefs Symposium underway in Kigali.

The symposium happening for the 11th time attracted Air Force Chiefs from Africa and beyond to discuss the continent’s strategic airlift.

The launch was graced by President Paul Kagame who made the case for robust airlift capabilities.

General Jeffrey L. Harrigian U.S Air Forces Africa Commander, said there were various challenges.

"Challenges range from resource distribution concerns and long-standing identity conflicts among other growing issues,” Harrigian told The New Times on the margins of the event.

But, he said, African nations are increasingly stepping up to confront such security issues.

The significance

With a robust airlift in place, Harrigian is convinced that air assets can be utilized to overcome some of the difficulties presented by Africa’s size, austere environment and limited transportation infrastructure.

He further pointed out that the air mobility operations bridges distance, supports rapid resupply of ground troops and also expands the reach of various governments.

"If we don't have those relationships and there is a myriad of any disasters or crises that could happen, it will be significantly more challenging to work together,” he added.

Regional cooperation

For Colonel Innocent Munyengango, Rwanda Defense Force (RDF) Chief J5 in charge of Strategy, Policy and Plans, while airpower can be a force multiplier, regional cooperation in the air domain is equally important.

"Rwanda has been dealing with terrorism. We have groups in DR Congo that are recognised as terror groups. But like it has been mentioned, they are in DRC and we have DRC people here. It makes it easy to discuss some of those challenges face to face. And agree on mechanisms to address this challenge.”

He added, "This is an opportunity where we'll look at other issues that are out there that would be areas that we could cooperate on work more closely together on to enhance not only our capabilities but our capacity.”