Prior to the Assembly of Heads of States and Government, the Executive Council of the African Union elected to following five members of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) for a three-year term as of March 2007:

 

- Gabon (for Central Africa)

- Ethiopia (Eastern Africa)

- Algeria (Northern Africa)

- Angola (Southern Africa)

- Nigeria (Western Africa)

 

The PSC of the African Union is composed of ten (10) members elected for a term of two years and five (5) members for a term of three years. Its main objectives are to:

- Promote peace, security and stability in Africa;

- Anticipate and prevent conflicts;

- Promote and implement peace-building and post-conflict reconstruction activities to consolidate peace and prevent the resurgence of violence;

- Co-ordinate and harmonize continental efforts in the prevention and combating of international terrorism in all its aspects;

- Develop a common defence policy for the Union;

- Promote and encourage democratic practices, good governance and the rule of law, protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for the sanctity of human life and international humanitarian law.

So far, the PSC has become a central place where were discussed a number of situations related to conflict and crisis in some countries and addressed issues related to peace and security on the continent . The 70th meeting of the PSC was held on 12 and 13 February 2007, a meeting during which was considered the relations between Chad and the Sudan. The PSC should play an increasing role in strengthening Africa capabilities to takle on their own challenges related to the peace, security and stability of its States and populations.