Nigeria opposes plan to split AU’s Political Affairs and Security Department

By Kunle Sanni

Nigeria has opposed a proposal to restructure the African Union’s (AU) Department of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (PAPS), warning that such a move could destabilize the AU’s political and security framework.

President Bola Tinubu made Nigeria’s position clear during discussions on AU reforms at the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

His remarks were delivered by Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar during deliberations on the AU’s reform report.

While supporting broader reforms to make the AU more efficient and relevant, Nigeria rejected the idea of creating a separate department from PAPS, which is currently led 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. “Such a move would lead to unnecessary expenditures and weaken the AU’s approach to political and security challenges.”

The Nigerian leader argued that the existing structure already has a Special Operations Division (SOD) under PAPS, making the proposed changes redundant.

“We cannot have a Peace Support Operations Directorate independent of the Directorate of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security. Any attempt to split the department would undermine the AU’s political and security processes,” he warned.

Nigeria Supports Oversight Committee and Reform Strategy

Despite its opposition to the PAPS restructuring, Nigeria backed several other AU reform proposals, including:

• The creation of a Heads of State and Government Oversight Committee on AU Reforms, to be led by Kenyan President William Ruto.

• A streamlined AU Summit agenda, limiting discussions to no more than three strategic issues per session.

President Tinubu commended Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Kenyan President Ruto for their leadership in driving AU reforms.

Call for a Phased and Inclusive Reform Process

Tinubu urged the AU to prioritize implementing agreed-upon policies rather than pushing for sweeping changes all at once.

“It would be a mistake to seek consensus on all fronts simultaneously,” he said. “Instead, we should focus on areas where there is already agreement and implement reforms in phases rather than rushing the process.”

He added that Nigeria remains committed to AU reforms, provided they are transparent, inclusive, and do not disrupt the existing structure unnecessarily.

The AU Summit, which concluded on Sunday, focused on institutional reforms, security challenges, and economic development across Africa.