DHQ Hosts AU Military Staff Committee Induction, Reaffirms Commitment to Africa’s Peace and Security

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace, security and stability across the African continent as it hosted the Induction and Orientation Programme for members of the Military Staff Committee (MSC) of the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) in Abuja.

The two day programme, which brought together military representatives from AU member states, was aimed at strengthening the capacity of the Committee and enhancing collaboration among African nations in addressing emerging security challenges.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, welcomed delegates on behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and expressed appreciation to the African Union Commission for selecting Nigeria to host the strategic capacity-building retreat.

Represented by the Director of Search and Rescue at Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Idi Sani, the CDS reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian military to supporting efforts aimed at strengthening Africa’s collective security framework.

General Oluyede noted that the continent continues to face complex security threats, including terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime, maritime insecurity, cyber threats and humanitarian crises, stressing the need for stronger cooperation and coordinated responses among African countries.

He described the Military Staff Committee as a critical component of the AU Peace and Security Council, providing professional military advice and strategic assessments to support decision-making on conflict prevention, crisis management and peace support operations.

Earlier, the Head of the Peace and Security Council Secretariat of the African Union Commission, Ms Neama Chusi, highlighted the importance of the MSC, describing it as the only subsidiary organ specifically established under the Protocol relating to the establishment of the Peace and Security Council.

She explained that the Committee plays a vital role in providing military perspectives that complement diplomatic efforts in preventing, managing and resolving conflicts across the continent.

Ms Chusi encouraged participants to engage actively, exchange experiences and contribute ideas towards improving the effectiveness of the Committee.

Also speaking, the Chairperson of the Military Staff Committee, Brigadier General Abubakar Conteh, emphasised the growing relevance of the body in addressing Africa’s evolving security landscape.

He identified terrorism, unconstitutional changes of government, organised crime, climate-related security threats and cyber challenges as some of the emerging issues requiring improved military cooperation and timely strategic advice.

Brigadier General Conteh described the induction programme as an important opportunity to strengthen institutional knowledge, improve collaboration among member states and enhance the Committee’s ability to provide effective guidance to the Peace and Security Council.

The programme features presentations, discussions, practical exercises and experience-sharing sessions designed to familiarise new and returning members with the MSC’s mandate, operational procedures and working methods while promoting stronger partnerships among AU member states.