ECOWAS Senior Mission Leaders Course (Abridged)

The Abridged ECOWAS Senior Mission Leaders Course (SMLC) is an upcoming high-level leadership development programme aimed at strengthening strategic leadership and management for Peace Support Operations (PSO) in West Africa. To be jointly delivered by the ECOWAS Peace Support Operations Division (PSOD) and the National Defence College (NDC), Nigeria, the programme is designed to respond to the increasing complexity of contemporary conflicts and the growing demand for integrated, multi-dimensional mission leadership. It is intended for senior military, police, and civilian personnel preparing for leadership roles in ECOWAS, AU, and UN peace operations.

The programme is scheduled to take place from 09 – 13 February 2026 and will bring together 25 senior-level participants for an intensive one-week engagement. It will feature interactive lectures, case studies, and practical exercises aligned with UN Standardized Training Modules, with focus areas including strategic mission leadership, integrated planning and operations, gender-responsive leadership and the Women, Peace and Security agenda, as well as integrity, accountability, and discipline.

The course is expected to expand the pool of qualified senior mission leaders and enhance ECOWAS’ readiness to manage complex peace operations across the region.