Nigeria has voiced strong opposition to proposals aimed at splitting the African Union’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security. President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, expressed the country’s stance during discussions on AU reforms at the ongoing African Union meetings.
President Tinubu emphasized Nigeria’s support for broader AU reforms that enhance the organization’s relevance and effectiveness for member states. He commended reform proposals from Rwanda and Kenya and backed the establishment of a Heads of State Oversight Committee for AU reforms, to be led by President William Ruto of Kenya.
However, President Tinubu firmly rejected the suggestion to create a new department from the existing Political Affairs, Peace, and Security Division. He argued that such a move would incur unnecessary expenses and destabilize the AU’s peace and security processes. Instead, he called for a focus on implementing already adopted policies rather than seeking consensus on every reform issue simultaneously.
President Tinubu stressed the importance of inclusiveness and transparency in the reform process, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to supporting reforms that are practical, cost-effective, and do not disrupt the AU’s current operational framework.
