US official discusses ethical military AI use in Africa talks

A US minister went to Nigeria to talk with African leaders about how to use AI in the military in a responsible way, focussing on morality and working together across borders.

A representative from the U.S. State Department was in Nigeria this week to talk with local and regional leaders about how to use AI in the military in a sensible way.

Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability Mallory Stewart said that her two-day trip to meet with ECOWAS officials from Nigeria was part of the US’s plan to improve security cooperation in Africa.

Stewart told reporters Wednesday that the U.S. government has been working with 55 countries, some of which are African, “to agree upon responsible uses of AI in the military context, using AI in a way that is consistent with international laws and recognizing inherent human bias.”

The Global Terrorism Index study from last year said that sub-Saharan Africa was the centre of terrorism, with almost 60% of all terror-related deaths happening there. It’s not clear if the terrorist groups are using AI or not.

Artificial intelligence (AI) should be used in war, says the government of Nigeria. They are aware that adopting AI will need policies that are specific to Africa.

Some security experts, like Kabiru Adamu of Beacon Consulting, say that using AI in military activities can be helpful. Senator Iroegbu, who started the online magazine Global Sentinel, said that AI has some good points, but people should still be careful with it.

African ministers unanimously approved a groundbreaking continental AI plan in June to move Africa’s digital future and development goals forward. Also, last week, the African Union said that member states, including Nigeria, could use AI in both public and private settings.