Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to African Peace, Security at AU Meeting

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace, security, democracy and sustainable development across Africa through closer cooperation with the African Union.

Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu made the pledge during a meeting with the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, on the sidelines of the African Union Executive Council meeting.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria remains committed to working with the AU to advance "peace, security, democratic governance and sustainable development" across the continent.

During the meeting, Adeoye praised Nigeria's role on the African Union Peace and Security Council over the past 22 years, describing the country as "a leading force in advancing Africa's peace and security agenda."

He urged Nigeria to continue supporting efforts aimed at "conflict prevention, democratic governance and institutional development."

The discussions focused on the security situation in the Sahel, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Sudan, as well as preparations for the upcoming Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in Angola.

Adeoye also encouraged Nigeria to strengthen its leadership in mediation, conflict prevention and regional diplomacy.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended Adeoye for his service to the African Union and thanked him for supporting Nigeria, including his role in securing the European Union's $21 million assistance for the Multinational Joint Task Force.

She also said Africa must increasingly pursue development through "self-reliance, stronger institutions and strategic partnerships," adding that "the era of dependence on external aid is gradually giving way to greater continental ownership of development initiatives."

Both sides also discussed the use of artificial intelligence in conflict prevention, strengthening diplomatic training across Africa and creating more opportunities for qualified Africans, especially young Nigerians, to take leadership positions in international organisations.

The meeting ended with both parties reaffirming their commitment to deeper Nigeria-AU cooperation in line with the goals of the African Union's Agenda 2063.