Nigeria has expressed strong opposition to a proposed restructuring of the African Union’s (AU) Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), arguing that such a move would be unnecessary and financially burdensome.
Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, in a statement, said his stance was conveyed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, during deliberations on AU reforms.
While backing broader efforts to make the continental body more effective, Nigeria rejected the proposal to carve out a new department from PAPS, currently headed by Nigerian diplomat Ambassador Bankole Adeoye.
“We do not support the proposal to reconfigure the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security,” President Tinubu stated.
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“Such restructuring would lead to unnecessary expenditures and could destabilise the AU’s political and security processes.”
President Tinubu, however, commended Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Kenyan President William Ruto for their reform proposals, which aim to enhance the AU’s efficiency.
He endorsed the plan to establish a Heads of State and Government Oversight Committee under President Ruto’s leadership to guide the reform process.
Additionally, he supported the recommendation that future AU Summits focus on no more than three strategic agenda items to ensure effective decision-making and implementation.
On the broader issue of AU reforms, President Tinubu stressed the need for a phased approach rather than a wholesale transformation.
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“Instead of seeking consensus on all fronts at once, we should focus on areas where agreement has already been reached. Reform should be transparent, inclusive, and not destabilise the status quo,” he emphasised.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting reforms that strengthen the AU while ensuring that decisions are made with the full participation of member states.
