Nigeria Vows Commitment To African Peace, Security, And Strategic Leadership

DUMO CHIZUBE HOPE

The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to promoting peace, security, democratic governance and sustainable development across Africa through enhanced collaboration with the African Union (AU).

The Honourable Minister made this known during a meeting with the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) of the African Union Commission, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, on the margins of the African Union Executive Council Meeting.

During the meeting, Ambassador Adeoye commended Nigeria’s outstanding contributions to the African Union Peace and Security Council over the past twenty-two years, describing the country as a leading force in advancing Africa’s peace and security agenda. He encouraged Nigeria to sustain its leadership role within the African Union and continue supporting continental initiatives aimed at conflict prevention, democratic governance and institutional development.

The Commissioner highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen Africa’s peace architecture through the African Union Peace Fund, the Peace, Security and Development Nexus, and the establishment of the African Institute for Democratic Governance, which seeks to build the capacity of young African diplomats through collaboration among diplomatic academies across the continent.

Discussions also focused on the evolving security situation in the Sahel, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Sudan, as well as preparations for the forthcoming Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in Angola. Ambassador Adeoye underscored the importance of Nigeria’s active participation at the Summit and encouraged the country to strengthen its leadership in mediation, conflict prevention and regional diplomacy.