Nigeria assumes AU Peace and Security Council chair

Nigeria proudly assumes the chairmanship of the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council for the month of May 2026, a significant role that underscores its commitment to continental stability and security. This marks Nigeria's return to lead the Council since December 2022, a testament to its enduring engagement and influence within the AU framework. Notably, Nigeria stands as the sole AU member state to have consistently served on the Council since its establishment in 2004, bringing invaluable institutional memory and experience to its leadership.

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During the month of May, 2026, Nigeria will lead the Council on discussions around a number of thematic and country-specific issues of interest to both the West African/Sahel Region and the continent in general.

During its tenure, Nigeria will steer discussions on critical issues facing the continent, including the profound impact of climate change on escalating crises in the Lake Chad Basin and Sahel regions. The Council will also deliberate on robust African strategies to combat the pervasive threat of Transnational Organized Crime, a challenge that demands a unified and coordinated continental response. Furthermore, Nigeria will guide deliberations on the Draft 5-year AU Continental Counter Terrorism Strategic Plan of Action, aiming to bolster collective efforts against terrorism.

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Some of the issues that will be considered include the impact of Climate Change on the crisis situation in the Lake Chad Basin and Sahel regions; African strategies for combating Transnational Organised Crime in Africa.

The agenda also includes the operationalization of the African Standby Force and the Combined Maritime Task Force, crucial initiatives for enhancing peacekeeping capabilities and addressing piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. Nigeria's consistent presence and leadership on the AU Peace and Security Council highlight its dedication to fostering peace, security, and development across Africa. The Council's composition, with Nigeria alongside Benin, Gabon, Algeria, Lesotho, Morocco, Somalia, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, DRC, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Ethiopia, Cameroon, and Eswatini, reflects the diverse regional representation essential for effective continental governance.

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Others are the Draft 5-year AU Continental Counter Terrorism Strategic Plan of Action; operationalisation of the African Standby Force; and the Operationalisation of the Combined Maritime Task Force in addressing Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea; among others.