By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), today 29 June 2026 in Abuja hosted the Induction and Orientation Programme for members of the Military Staff Committee (MSC) of the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC), reaffirming Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to promoting peace, security and stability across Africa.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, represented by the Director of Search and Rescue, Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Idi Sani welcomed delegates from member states of the AU Peace and Security Council to Abuja. He conveyed the CDS’s appreciation to the African Union Commission for selecting Nigeria to host the strategic capacity-building retreat and reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to strengthening Africa’s collective security architecture.
The CDS noted that Africa continues to face complex and evolving security challenges, including terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime, maritime insecurity, cyber threats and humanitarian crises, which require coordinated continental responses and enhanced military cooperation. He emphasised that the MSC, as the principal military advisory body to the PSC, plays a critical role in providing professional military advice and strategic assessments that support informed decision-making on conflict prevention, crisis response and peace support operations.
Earlier, the Head of the PSC Secretariat of the African Union Commission, Ms Neama Chusi underscored the significance of the MSC, describing it as the only subsidiary organ specifically established under the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the PSC. She stressed that the Committee remains indispensable in providing military perspectives that complement diplomatic efforts in conflict prevention, management and resolution across the continent. Ms Chusi encouraged participants to engage openly, share experiences and contribute meaningfully to strengthening the effectiveness of the Committee.
In his remarks, the Chairperson of the MSC, Brigadier General Abubakar Conteh highlighted the Committee’s growing relevance amid Africa’s increasingly dynamic security environment. He observed that emerging challenges such as terrorism, unconstitutional changes of government, organised crime, climate-related security risks and cyber threats require sound military advice and enhanced collaboration among member states. He described the induction programme as an important platform for strengthening institutional knowledge, fostering cooperation and enhancing the Committee’s capacity to provide timely and objective military advice to the PSC.
The two-day programme features presentations, discussions, practical exercises and experience-sharing sessions designed to familiarise newly appointed and returning members with the Committee’s mandate, working methods and operational procedures while promoting stronger collaboration among member states.
