NATO-AU Military Staff Talks Foster Enhanced Security Collaboration

From 26-27 November 2024, NATO’s Cooperative Security Division of the International Military Staff (IMS) hosted a delegation from the African Union Commission (AUC) in Brussels for the ninth NATO-AU Military-to-Military Staff Talks. The discussions underscored the commitment to bolstering collaboration in addressing shared security challenges.

Key topics included:

• Enhancing AU Peace Support Operations.

• NATO's support for AU military standardization and lessons-learned initiatives.

• Capacity building through education, training, and disaster preparedness.

• Collaboration in joint exercises and NATO assistance in policy development for the AU.

Strengthening a Vital Partnership
Major General Dacian Tiberiu Șerban, Director of NATO’s Cooperative Security Division, opened the meeting by highlighting the importance of international cooperation in an evolving global security environment. “NATO-AU cooperation offers a unique opportunity to address challenges through shared expertise and a commitment to peace, security, and mutual prosperity,” he said.

Brigadier General Cheick Fanta Mady Dembele, Head of the AU’s Peace Support Operations Division, emphasized the need for collective responses to crises, stating, “African solutions to African problems should evolve to address peace and security challenges on the continent comprehensively.”

Progress and Key Initiatives
Building on progress from the last meeting in Addis Ababa, participants reviewed AU Peace Support Operations and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2719. NATO reiterated its commitment to supporting AU operations, including Strategic Lift (STRATLIFT) assistance for the transition from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission (AUSSOM).

NATO officials also shared insights on lessons-learned processes, standardization efforts, and security capacity-building programs. Discussions covered topics like disaster management, counter-terrorism, climate security, and humanitarian assistance. The importance of joint exercises and NATO's education and training network, such as the NATO School Oberammergau, was also highlighted.

Mutual Commitment to Security and Stability
The meeting concluded with a set of actionable steps to deepen NATO-AU military cooperation. Major General Șerban reaffirmed NATO’s dedication to the partnership, stating, “By working together in a spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding, we can advance peace, security, and stability.” Brigadier General Dembele echoed this sentiment, describing the talks as “a milestone in enhancing our collaboration.”

Looking Ahead
NATO’s partnership with the African Union, established in 2005, continues to be rooted in mutual respect and shared goals. The next iteration of the NATO-AU Military Staff Talks will take place in October 2025 at the AUC Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Photo: NATO