Opening Statement by Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner of Political Affairs, Peace and Security: Meeting of the 17th African Chiefs of Defence Staff and Heads of Safety and Security, in preparation of the 14th Ordinary Meeting of the Specialised Technical Committee on Defence, Safety and Security

Major General Mamadou Gaye, Chief of Defence Staff of the Republic of Senegal and Chair of the meeting of African Chiefs of Defence and Heads of Safety and Security (ACDSS),
Members of the Bureau of the ACDSS,
Chiefs of Defence Forces and Representatives of Member States,
Representatives of Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the Chairperson of the Commission, I would like to warmly welcome you all to this 17th meeting of African Chiefs of Defence and Heads of Safety and Security.