The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has 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, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace, security and stability across Africa.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Monday, the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, represented by Air Vice Marshal Idi Sani, welcomed delegates from AU member states and expressed appreciation to the African Union Commission for selecting Nigeria to host the strategic capacity-building programme.
Oluyede said Africa continues to grapple with evolving security threats, including terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime, maritime insecurity, cyber threats and humanitarian crises, stressing that these challenges require stronger military cooperation and coordinated continental responses.
He noted that the Military Staff Committee, as the principal military advisory body to the AU Peace and Security Council, plays a crucial role in providing professional military advice and strategic assessments to support conflict prevention, crisis response and peace support operations across the continent.
Also speaking, Neama Chusi, Head of the PSC Secretariat of the African Union Commission, described the MSC as the only subsidiary organ established under the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council. She urged participants to actively engage in discussions and share experiences aimed at strengthening the Committee’s effectiveness.
Chairperson of the Military Staff Committee, Abubakar Conteh, said the Committee’s role has become increasingly important in addressing terrorism, unconstitutional changes of government, organised crime, climate-related security risks and cyber threats across Africa.
He described the induction programme as an opportunity to deepen institutional knowledge, enhance collaboration among member states and improve the Committee’s capacity to provide timely and objective military advice to the Peace and Security Council.
The two-day programme featured presentations, practical exercises and experience-sharing sessions designed to acquaint newly appointed and returning members with the Committee’s mandate, operational procedures and working methods while promoting greater cooperation among AU member states.
