He highlighted ongoing African Union efforts to strengthen the continent’s peace and governance architecture, including the African Union Peace Fund and the Peace, Security and Development Nexus initiative
By Mmesoma Onwuka
Nigeria has been encouraged to sustain its leadership role in advancing peace, security and democratic governance across Africa following high-level discussions between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Bankole Adeoye.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the African Union Executive Council Meeting, where both officials reviewed critical issues affecting peace, stability and development across the continent and reaffirmed the importance of closer collaboration between Nigeria and the African Union.
During the discussions, Ambassador Adeoye commended Nigeria for its unwavering commitment to the African Union Peace and Security Council over the past 22 years, describing the country as a key driver of the continent’s peacebuilding, conflict prevention and conflict resolution initiatives.
He highlighted ongoing African Union efforts to strengthen the continent’s peace and governance architecture, including the African Union Peace Fund and the Peace, Security and Development Nexus initiative, which seeks to address the root causes of conflict through integrated development strategies.
The AU Commissioner also unveiled plans for the establishment of an African Institute for Democratic Governance, an initiative designed to train and nurture the next generation of African diplomats and governance experts to strengthen democratic institutions across member states.
Both officials also exchanged views on the evolving security situation in the Sahel, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Sudan, while reviewing preparations for the forthcoming Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly scheduled to hold in Angola.
Ambassador Adeoye stressed the importance of Nigeria’s continued leadership in regional diplomacy and mediation efforts, noting that the country’s active engagement remains crucial to resolving conflicts, promoting political stability and deepening democratic governance across Africa.
The meeting reaffirmed the strong partnership between Nigeria and the African Union, with both sides expressing commitment to enhanced cooperation in pursuit of lasting peace, security and sustainable development throughout the continent.