After a 22-year break, the African Military Games are finally returning.
Scheduled to take place in Abuja, Nigeria, from November 18 to November 30, 2024, the 2nd African Military Games (AMGA 2024) will bring together 42 nations competing in 19 different sports at the Moshood Abiola Stadium.
The excitement surrounding the games is glaring, as African nations eagerly prepare for an event absent from the continent’s calendar for over two decades.
The last time Africa hosted the military games was in 2002, in Nairobi, Kenya. Afterwards, Nigeria was granted a hosting right for the games. However, due to security challenges, the country was unable to host the games.
Following the appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General Chris Musa CDS last year, he began to nurse the idea of hosting the AMGA 2024 in Nigeria, which is now becoming a reality.
Despite the initial success of the 2002 games, the competition did not return in the following years as many had hoped. A complex web of factors led to the 22-year delay.
Africa’s political landscape over the past two decades has been marked by instability, with conflicts, insurgencies, and military coups in several nations. These crises drew focus and resources away from sporting events, making it difficult for governments to prioritize or organize another continental military competition.
Moreover, economic challenges across African nations further hindered efforts to stage another edition of the games. The financial strain many countries faced during this period limited their capacity to host or participate in such large-scale events. Even when some discussions about reviving the games took place, logistical issues and political instability often pushed those plans aside.
The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in delaying the games. As the global health crisis occurred in 2020, most sporting events were either postponed or cancelled.
Yet, the desire to bring back the games never fully faded. In 2024, that dream will be realized in Abuja. Nigeria’s capital city is not only a strategic choice for hosting the event due to its significance in West Africa, but it also demonstrates the country’s growing influence in regional military and sports diplomacy.
Nigeria’s armed forces have long played a key role in peacekeeping missions across Africa, and the country’s commitment to regional unity makes it a fitting host for AMGA 2024.
As we look back at how we got here, it is clear that the return of the African Military Games is not just about sports. It is a testament to the resilience of the continent and its militaries, and it marks the beginning of a new chapter in Africa’s sporting history.
With AMGA 2024 on the horizon, Africa’s military forces are ready to showcase their athletic prowess, celebrate unity, and build lasting relationships that will strengthen the continent for years to come.