UN Deputy Chief highlights both risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence in security and humanitarian efforts.

Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, has cautioned that Africa cannot afford to remain passive amid rapid technological change, stressing that insurgent groups are already exploiting new tools to fuel instability on the continent.

Speaking at the 2025 Africa Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja on Monday, Mohammed urged African leaders to be proactive in shaping the use of technology rather than becoming bystanders.

“Africa is at the epicentre of global terrorism. In this new era of technology, where it should be advancing as a human endeavour, these insurgency groups are using new technologies and improvised explosive devices to wreak havoc.We cannot afford to be bystanders. Africa must take ownership, must be proactive, and shape how these tools will be used,” she said.

Mohammed warned that technology was being misused to spread hate, undermine democracy, and manipulate elections.

“Elections are manipulated, institutions undermined, and lies are spread until neighbour turns against neighbour. We have seen this before. Once it was a radio carrying messages to ignite genocide; today, social media amplifies hate at terrifying speed. Artificial intelligence is already transforming the landscape of security,” she noted.

CBI News reports that despite the risks, Mohammed pointed out that technology also presents opportunities.

She explained that artificial intelligence is being deployed in conflict-affected regions to identify food insecurity, predict displacement caused by climate shocks, and detect or clear landmines.

“Soon, they could help us to spot patterns of unrest before violence erupts. Sadly, the same technology that offers solutions also carries profound risks,” she added.

The UN Deputy Chief also stressed the importance of collaboration across the continent, warning that division plays into the hands of adversaries.

“When we act in isolation, we hand our adversaries their greatest advantage, our division. Regional cooperation is the linchpin of Africa’s security and defence. But we also know this is easier said than done.Defence collaboration is not simple; we are talking about 54 countries, each with its own policies, histories, priorities, and difficulties. This makes it all the more remarkable that, through the complexity and diversity, African forces still find ways to act together,” she said.