Paul Dean, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the USA's Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability
By Sa'ah Siona Ikei
In a bid to fortify stability and foster cooperation in Africa, Paul Dean, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the USA's Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability, embarked on a diplomatic journey to Cameroon and other African nations. Armed with a determination to tackle regional security challenges and promote responsible military use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Dean engaged in high-level discussions with government officials. In an exclusive interview with The Post newspaper, he unveiled his insights from the trip.
According to Dean, "Our engagement with African countries is of utmost importance in promoting regional stability, addressing security challenges, and advancing arms control initiatives. We recognize the significance of collaboration in effectively tackling shared security concerns" - underlining the United States' unwavering commitment to fostering robust partnerships with African nations.
Dean emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation during his visit to Cameroon. He explained, "Cameroon plays a pivotal role in the region, and our discussions aimed to enhance mutual understanding, strengthen existing arms control frameworks, and explore avenues for future collaboration."
Transparency and trust-building were critical themes throughout Dean's discussions with Cameroonian officials. "Open and honest dialogue serves as the cornerstone for building trust and ensuring the effectiveness of arms control measures. We engaged in constructive conversations with Cameroonian officials, exchanging views on regional security challenges and exploring opportunities for joint initiatives," Dean stated.
Regarding the role of arms control in promoting stability, Dean highlighted its significance in preventing conflicts and reducing the risk of proliferation. He elaborated, "Arms control measures, such as transparency in military capabilities, confidence-building measures, and non-proliferation efforts, significantly contribute to regional stability. By promoting dialogue and cooperation, we can work towards a safer and more secure Africa."
Dean also expressed the United States' commitment to supporting African countries in strengthening their own arms control capacities. He affirmed, "Capacity-building is crucial for African nations to effectively address security challenges. We are dedicated to providing technical assistance, training, and resources to enhance their capabilities in arms control and non-proliferation efforts."
When questioned about the potential for regional cooperation in arms control, Dean expressed optimism and emphasized the need for collective action. "Regional cooperation is essential in addressing transnational security threats. By fostering dialogue and collaboration among African nations, we can collectively tackle challenges such as illicit arms trafficking and the spread of weapons of mass destruction," Dean said.
Dean stressed the significance of open and honest dialogue between nations to foster understanding and reduce potential misunderstandings or miscalculations. "Transparency in military capabilities is essential for building trust and ensuring effective arms control measures. By openly sharing information about defense capabilities, countries can enhance mutual understanding and reduce the risk of misperceptions or unintended escalations," he said.
As he put it, the United States is committed to promoting transparency a practice which he is encouraging Cameroon and other African nations to adopt. "We encourage countries to embrace transparency as a means to enhance regional security. By providing accurate and timely information on military capabilities, countries can contribute to a more stable and predictable security environment," Dean stated.
He further acknowledged that transparency in military capabilities goes hand in hand with responsible arms control practices. Countries should not only be transparent about their own capabilities but also actively participate in efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons and technologies of concern.
Additionally, Dean discussed the Political Declaration on Responsible Military Use of AI in Africa during a digital press briefing. He highlighted the importance of responsible AI use, stating, "The United States recognizes the transformative potential of AI in the military domain. However, it is crucial that we approach its development and use responsibly. The Political Declaration provides a framework for African nations to adopt responsible practices, ensuring that AI technologies are used ethically, transparently, and in accordance with international norms."
Several African states, including Liberia, Malawi, Morocco, and Libya, have endorsed this initiative.
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