Nigeria has assumed the chairmanship of the African Union Peace and Security Council for May 2026, reinforcing its leadership role in shaping peace and security efforts across the continent.
In a statement announcing the development, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nigeria, Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa, said Nigeria’s appointment carries significant weight.
According to him, it remains the only member state to have served continuously on the Council since its establishment in 2004—underscoring its longstanding institutional experience in continental security matters.
“The last time Nigeria chaired the Council was in December 2022, and it will once again provide leadership on key peace and security issues affecting the continent,” Ebienfa stated.
During its tenure, Nigeria is expected to lead discussions on pressing thematic and regional concerns, with particular attention to West Africa and the Sahel.
Among the top priorities are the security implications of climate change in the Lake Chad Basin, efforts to curb transnational organised crime, and the development of a five-year continental counter-terrorism strategy.
The Council will also deliberate on operationalising the African Standby Force and strengthening maritime security through coordinated actions to combat piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
“The discussions will cover both thematic and country-specific issues of interest to the West African/Sahel region and the continent at large,” the Ministry noted.
15-member body
The African Union Peace and Security Council is a 15-member body tasked with conflict prevention, management, and resolution across Africa.
Its members are elected by the AU Executive Council and endorsed by the Assembly, with representation reflecting regional balance.
Current members include Nigeria, Benin, Gabon, Algeria, Lesotho, Morocco, Somalia, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Ethiopia, Cameroon, and Eswatini.
Nigeria’s leadership is expected to bolster ongoing continental and regional initiatives aimed at tackling emerging security threats, strengthening collective defence mechanisms, and promoting lasting stability across Africa.
