NATO and African Union mark 10th round of Military-to-Military Staff Talks in Addis Ababa

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ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – Senior military representatives from NATO and the African Union gathered at the AU Commission Headquarters on 28 January 2026 for the 10th Military-to-Military Staff Talks. This landmark session underscored a relationship built on parity, mutual respect, and reciprocity—a partnership that has evolved significantly since NATO first provided support to the AU in 2005.

Two decades of cooperation

NATO’s relationship with the African Union dates back to 2005, following a request for assistance with the African Union mission in Sudan. Since then, the partnership has grown into a robust framework for political dialogue and military cooperation. The 10th edition of these staff talks served as a vital platform for reviewing this long-standing journey and exchanging views on priority peace and security issues. General Cheick Fanta Mady Dembelé, Head of the AU delegation, formally opened the session by highlighting the significance of the 20-year bond. “It is essential to consolidate the gains from our previous engagements,” General Dembelé stated. “Regular staff-level consultations serve as a practical mechanism for advancing our mutual understanding and addressing the complex security landscape we face today.”

Translating dialogue into action

The talks focused on turning shared strategic objectives into tangible outcomes. NATO’s delegation, led by Colonel Carlos Latorre Darde, reaffirmed the Alliance’s dedication to the African Union partnership, grounded in mutual respect and frank dialogue.

Addressing the assembly, Colonel Latorre Darde emphasized the necessity of moving beyond theoretical discussions: “Our partnership is built on more than just shared interests; it is built on action. Continued engagement at the staff level remains essential to translating our shared objectives into practical cooperation and tangible outcomes that enhance security for both our regions.”

A Whole-of-Alliance Approach

The 10th MIL2MIL talks were characterized by comprehensive representation from across the NATO enterprise. Led by the International Military Staff Cooperative Security Division, the delegation included subject-matter experts from the International Staff, specifically Political Affairs and Security Policy, Operations, and the Defence and Security Cooperation Directorate.From the military command structure, experts from Allied Command Operations J3, the Partnership Directorate, and Allied Command Transformation provided strategic and transformational insights. Specialized operational perspectives were contributed by Special Operations Forces Command and Joint Force Command Naples, emphasizing NATO’s coordinated effort to support African Union peace and security initiatives.

Integrated support and liaison

A key component of NATO’s support to the African Union is its permanent presence in Addis Ababa, which ensures continuous coordination. The NATO Senior Military Liaison Officer and their team provide essential structural assistance and subject-matter expertise directly to the African Union Peace Support Operations Division. This effort is further bolstered by the Embassy of Canada, which currently serves as the NATO Contact Point Embassy, facilitating diplomatic liaison and raising awareness of NATO activities among international partners in the region.

Pillars of practical cooperation

Both delegations agreed to focus on the following pillars of Practical Cooperation:

Education and training excellence: A primary focus remains the alignment of institutional training frameworks. To strengthen capacity building, the African Union will continue to leverage the NATO education and training network, including the NATO School Oberammergau and the Partnership Training and Education Centres. These institutions provide a vital link for professional development and the exchange of academic expertise.
Counter-terrorism collaboration: The delegations agreed, within the framework of existing cooperation mechanisms, to deepen collaboration in addressing asymmetric threats. Discussions focused on enhancing shared awareness through the exchange of experiences and operational lessons learned in counter-terrorism. By sharing institutional best practices, both organizations aim to strengthen their capacity to mitigate extremist threats and bolster regional security and stability.
Strategic lift and logistics: The delegations agreed to enhance technical coordination in the area of strategic movement. This cooperation aims to optimize logistical processes and coordination arrangements in support of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
Addressing emerging challenges: The organisations will continue to explore collaborative approaches to cross-cutting issues, such as the security implications of climate change and the continued integration of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda.

Looking ahead: From Addis to Brussels

The meeting concluded with an ambitious roadmap for the remainder of the year, focused on strengthening practical military cooperation and pursuing further high-level political interactions. These efforts aim to ensure that the NATO-AU partnership remains agile and responsive to the needs of both organisations.