6 - 9 November 2025 — Abuja, Nigeria

The African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) held its 17th Annual Retreatin Abuja, Nigeria, from 6 to 9 November 2025, with Ambassador Churchill Ewumbue-Monono serving as Chairperson.

This high-level retreat provided an important platform for PSC Member States to reflect on the Council’s working methods and to strengthen approaches that support more effective decision-making across the continent. Central to the discussions was a comprehensive review of the PSC’s operational practices, including mechanisms that guide how decisions are implemented.

A notable feature of this year’s retreat was the inclusion of a mock PSC simulation exercise, involving a group of university students invited to model PSC deliberations. This innovative activity highlighted the Council’s growing commitment to engaging young Africans in continental peace and security processes while nurturing the next generation of policy leaders.

The retreat also examined ways to enhance the PSC’s various ad-hoc mechanisms, ensuring that they support timely responses to emerging and ongoing peace and security challenges. These reflections form part of broader efforts to reinforce the Council’s efficiency, coherence, and overall impact.

Ahead of the retreat, a preparatory workshop was held in Abuja, where participating experts reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening continental security cooperation and supporting more effective PSC outcomes.

The 17th Annual Retreat marks an important milestone in the Council’s ongoing institutional development. Under Ambassador Monono’s stewardship, the Abuja gathering underscored a renewed determination to reinforce collective peace and security efforts across Africa and to ensure that the PSC remains responsive to the continent’s evolving needs.

Images of the event can be found here and here