From 29 to 30 June, the United Nations Office to the African Union participated in the African Union's induction and orientation training for new members of the Military Staff Committee (MSC) of the Peace and Security Council in Abuja, Nigeria.
The training brought together Defence Advisers of the Peace and Security Council, the PSC Secretariat, the African Union Peace Support Operations Division, UNOAU, the Institute for Security Studies and officials from Nigeria's Ministry of Defence. It aimed to strengthen the Military Staff Committee's capacity by enhancing participants' understanding of its mandate, working methods and advisory role to the Peace and Security Council.
Discussions examined evolving security challenges across Africa, including terrorism, unconstitutional changes of government, maritime insecurity, cyber threats, organized crime, humanitarian crises and climate-related security risks. Participants also explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the AU and United Nations Military Staff Committees, particularly on strategic assessments, training and peace support operations.
The programme concluded with recommendations to strengthen coordination, institutionalize regular Military Staff Committee meetings, enhance capacity-building and improve collaboration between the African Union and the United Nations.
