President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed Nigeria’s strong opposition to the proposed reconfiguration of the Department of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (PAPS) within the African Union (AU)
Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has announced the country’s firm decision to reject the proposal for creating a new department derived from the existing Department of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (PAPS) within the African Union (AU), this was revealed in a press statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy on Sunday,
During a recent briefing, Tuggar articulated concerns that establishing a separate department could undermine the AU’s efforts in political affairs and jeopardize its ongoing peace and security initiatives. He underscored the importance of excluding issues that have not been previously communicated to Member States from the reform process.
Tuggar highlighted that the PAPS is currently led by Nigerian diplomat Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, who was re-elected for another term during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, which concluded on Sunday. This leadership continuity, he noted, is crucial for maintaining stability and effectiveness in the AU’s operations.
The Minister reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to supporting reforms within the AU, provided they are transparent, inclusive, and do not disrupt the existing frameworks essential for peace and security on the continent.
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“We do not support the proposal to reconfigure the Department of Political Affairs Peace and Security (PAPS) as the reconfiguration of the PAPS Department in the way currently suggested will only lead us to incur more expenditure needlessly.
“We already have a Structure of Directorate (SOD) under the Directorate of PAPS. Establishing a separate Peace Support Operations Directorate independent of the current structure would disrupt the AU’s political affairs and peace and security processes,” President Tinubu stated. He emphasized that any reform should not include issues that have not been previously communicated to Member States.
Highlighting the importance of inclusiveness and transparency in the AU reform process, President Tinubu urged the organization to concentrate on implementing already adopted policies and programs rather than seeking consensus on all reform aspects at once
“Nigeria believes it is prudent to focus on areas where consensus has already been achieved. Reform can be carried out in phases, and it would be a mistake to endlessly pursue consultations on every front,” he added.
President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting the reform process, provided it remains transparent, inclusive, and does not unnecessarily destabilize the current status quo.
