Bujumbura, Burundi, is set to host the 18th ordinary session of the Comité technique spécialisé sur la défense, la sûreté et la sécurité (CTSDSS), bringing together a significant assembly of defense and security officials from across the African continent. This key gathering includes a high-level meeting of the heads of Defense Forces and heads of security services, specifically scheduled for September 17, 2026. The widespread interest in this continental security dialogue is evident, as a total of 43 countries have already confirmed their participation in the session. This event shows the collective commitment of African nations to address shared security challenges and foster regional stability.
Continental Security Forum Details
The Comité technique spécialisé sur la défense, la sûreté et la sécurité (CTSDSS) serves as a vital technical body within the overarching framework of the African Union. Its foundational mandate is to provide expert advice and full recommendations to both the Conference of Heads of State and Government and the Peace and Security Council. This advisory role is key for informing high-level decisions on a broad spectrum of continental peace, defense, and security matters. The committee's work is instrumental in shaping the African Union's strategic responses to emerging threats and ongoing conflicts, ensuring a coordinated and effective approach to maintaining stability across the region.
The committee convenes a diverse and influential group of stakeholders, including ministers of Defense and Interior, along with heads of national institutions responsible for security from various African Union member states. Beyond national representation, the forum also actively involves representatives from key Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Regional Mechanisms (RMs). This broad participation ensures that discussions are informed by a wide array of regional perspectives and specific security contexts. Among the participating Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms are the East African Standby Force (EASF), which plays a critical role in regional peace operations; the Economic Community of Central African States (CEEAC), focusing on stability in its sub-region; the Southern African Development Community (SADC), a key player in Southern African security; and the North Africa Regional Capability, which addresses security concerns in the northern part of the continent. This inclusive structure is designed to ensure diverse perspectives on security challenges across the continent are heard and integrated into policy recommendations. The involvement of these bodies notes the multi-layered approach to security governance within the African Union, emphasizing collaboration between continental and regional entities.
Burundi's Historic Hosting Role
The entire session is scheduled to take place over several days, commencing from September 15 and concluding on September 18, 2026. This period will witness intensive discussions and strategic planning among African security leaders. This marks a significant and historic moment for Burundi, as it proudly becomes the second country to organize and host this continental event since its inception. Historically, Ethiopia has been the sole host for all 17 recent sessions of the Comité technique spécialisé sur la défense, la sûreté et la sécurité (CTSDSS), establishing a long-standing tradition. Burundi's hosting role therefore signifies a new chapter for the forum, broadening its geographical reach beyond its traditional venue and demonstrating a growing decentralization of key African Union activities. The decision to hold the summit in Bujumbura notes the country's growing engagement in regional and continental security dialogues, reflecting its commitment to contributing actively to the continent's peace and security agenda. This shift in venue also provides an opportunity for delegates to experience different regional perspectives firsthand and strengthens the sense of shared responsibility across member states.
Significance and Expectations
A preparatory meeting of experts is scheduled to precede the main events, taking place from September 15 to 16, 2026. This technical gathering is key for setting the stage for the subsequent ministerial discussions, allowing for detailed analysis of security issues, the formulation of initial recommendations, and the streamlining of agendas. These experts, drawn from various national and regional security institutions, will lay the groundwork for effective decision-making at the higher levels. The session involving the relevant ministers will then convene on September 18, 2026, marking the culmination of the summit's activities and the point at which strategic resolutions are expected to be formalized. This structured approach ensures that ministerial deliberations are well-informed and grounded in thorough technical assessments.
The works of the summit will primarily focus on evaluating the political and security situation across the African continent. Participants are expected to engage in full discussions regarding current challenges, including ongoing conflicts, terrorism, transnational organized crime, and emerging threats such as climate-induced security risks and cyber warfare. A primary objective, according to organizers, is to strengthen African mechanisms for conflict prevention and management, moving towards more proactive and self-reliant solutions. The discussions aim to foster collaborative strategies among member states to address regional instability and enhance collective security responses through shared intelligence, coordinated operations, and joint capacity building initiatives. This focus reflects the ongoing commitment of African Union member states to self-reliance in maintaining peace and stability, reducing dependence on external actors, and promoting African solutions to African problems. The outcomes of this 18th ordinary session are anticipated to contribute significantly to the African Union's broader efforts to achieve a peaceful and secure continent.
