The Nigerian government has firmly opposed the proposal to divide the AU’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS). This stance was officially announced during the recent AU summit, where President Bola Tinubu addressed the assembly, emphasizing Nigeria’s dedication to a streamlined and effective AU structure.
The proposal under discussion aimed at reorganizing the PAPS into separate units, potentially increasing administrative complexity and operational costs. President Tinubu argued that such a division would destabilize the ongoing peace and security processes within the continent. “We do not support the proposal to reconfigure the Department of Political Affairs Peace and Security as the reconfiguration of the PAPS Department in the way currently suggested will only lead us to incur more expenditure needlessly,” Tinubu stated during the summit.
Tinubu’s remarks highlighted Nigeria’s support for the broader AU reform initiative but stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of departments that are central to the AU’s mandate. “We believe any attempt to create another department from the existing one will destabilize the AU political affairs and peace and security process,” he added. This position was echoed by the Nigerian diplomatic corps, with Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar delivering the statement on behalf of the President.
The Nigerian opposition to the split was not just about maintaining the status quo but was also framed as a call for more focused reform efforts. Tinubu advocated for implementing already agreed-upon policies and programs rather than continuously expanding the bureaucratic structure. He suggested a phased approach to reforms, ensuring that changes are both necessary and beneficial before moving forward.
The AU’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security has been pivotal in managing conflicts, promoting political stability, and fostering democratic governance across Africa. Under the leadership of Nigerian diplomat Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, who was recently re-elected to head this department, there has been significant work on election monitoring, conflict resolution, and peacekeeping. Critics of the split argue that it might dilute these efforts by fragmenting resources and focus.
This development comes at a time when the AU is undergoing significant reforms, initiated by leaders like Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, to make the organization more responsive to the contemporary needs of African nations. Nigeria’s stance reflects not only its strategic interest in a strong, unified AU but also its role as a leading voice in African politics and peacekeeping.
As the AU continues its reform process, Nigeria’s opposition to the departmental split could influence other member states’ positions, potentially shaping the future direction of the organization’s structure and operations. With its significant influence in Africa, Nigeria’s stance might encourage a more cautious and well-considered approach to organizational changes within the AU.
