By Ireti Asemota.
African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) experts kicked off a two-day technical workshop in Abuja on Tuesday, aimed at developing a fresh framework to steer the AU’s peace and security agenda in the years ahead, with a strong emphasis on coordinated counterterrorism efforts in West Africa and the Sahel.
The event—titled the Capacity Building Workshop and Preparatory Session for the upcoming PSC Committee of Experts Retreat—is taking place at Nigeria’s National Counterterrorism Centre (NCTC).
Nigeria’s Role in AU Peace and Security
During the opening ceremony, NCTC National Coordinator, Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, described the session as a pivotal move to unify strategies and bolster the AU’s peace and security systems in support of Agenda 2063 and the “Silencing the Guns” Initiative.
“Hosting this vital technical dialogue at the NCTC underscores Nigeria’s unwavering dedication to continental peace, stability, and collective security within the African Union framework,” he stated.
He highlighted the workshop as a key platform for:
- Enhancing institutional capabilities
- Assessing progress
- Harmonizing expert views ahead of the PSC Retreat
The session enables participants to share insights, highlight successful approaches, and refine strategies to tackle emerging security threats.
Evolving Threats Across Africa
Maj. Gen. Laka pointed out that the continent faces fast-changing dangers, including:
- Terrorism and violent extremism
- Transnational organized crime
- Political unrest fueled by socio-economic challenges
“In West Africa and the Sahel, these risks are deeply intertwined, requiring creative, collaborative, and long-term solutions,” he noted.
Landmark NCTC–AU Cooperation
He revealed that in September 2025, the NCTC and the African Union Commission signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in:
- Intelligence exchange
- Capacity development
- Alignment of counterterrorism policies
This agreement represents a major step in activating the AU Peace and Security Architecture.
“No nation can defeat these threats alone. Regional partnership, intelligence sharing, and skill-building form the foundation of our shared defense,” Laka emphasized.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s leadership in regional counterterrorism, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s security vision for stabilizing West Africa and the Sahel.
“This Centre stands as a symbol of Nigeria’s determination to combat terrorism and foster peace both domestically and across Africa,” he added.
PSC Chairperson Calls for Stronger Conflict Prevention
Dr. Jean Djeunkeng, Chairperson of the AU Peace and Security Council and Cameroon’s Permanent Representative, stressed the Committee of Experts’ duty to deliver results that reinforce the AU’s conflict prevention mandate.
“We fully recognize our responsibility and the trust placed in us. We are committed to working together to sustain the PSC’s forward momentum,” he said.
Amid global and regional instability, Dr. Djeunkeng urged improvements in the Council’s operational methods to better prevent, manage, and resolve conflicts continent-wide.
“Our experts will explore ways to enhance the Council’s procedures, ensuring it effectively serves as the AU’s standing body for conflict prevention, management, and resolution,” he affirmed.
