Tinubu Rejects AU Department Split, Urges Phased Reforms for Stability and Transparency

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia—In a decisive move during the deliberation on African Union (AU) reforms, the Federal Government of Nigeria, led by President Bola Tinubu, has rejected a proposal to create a separate department from the existing AU Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS). The announcement was made on Sunday in Addis Ababa, where Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, presented President Tinubu’s firm stance on the matter.

According to the official statement, President Tinubu argued that splitting the PAPS department would lead to unnecessary expenditure and destabilize the delicate balance of the AU’s political affairs and peace and security processes. “We do not support the proposal to reconfigure the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security as the reconfiguration in the way currently suggested will only lead us to incur more expenditure needlessly,” President Tinubu stated, as conveyed by Amb. Tuggar. He further emphasized, “We already have a Support Operations Directorate under the Directorate of PAPS. We cannot have a Peace Support Operations Directorate independent of the Directorate of Political Affairs, Peace and Security.”

The Nigerian government’s rejection of the proposal reflects a broader concern over ensuring that AU reforms remain cost-effective and do not compromise stability. President Tinubu warned that incorporating issues that were never formally presented to Member States into the reform process would only muddy the waters. “It is also important that issues that were never brought to the attention of Member States are not part of the reform,” he added.

In addition to outlining Nigeria’s position on the proposed departmental split, the government also highlighted its broader support for AU reforms aimed at making the organization more vibrant, viable, and responsive to rapidly changing global political and economic realities. Amb. Bankole Adeoye, who heads the existing AU Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, was re-elected to another term at the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government, which concluded on Sunday. His re-election is seen as a vote of confidence in Nigeria’s continued role in shaping AU policies.

President Tinubu’s comments come at a time when discussions on AU reforms are intensifying. Nigeria, as one of the continent’s leading economies, is determined to influence the transformation of the AU into a body that better serves the interests of its Member States. “We support the move to reform the AU, making it more vibrant and relevant to the needs of member states,” the statement read. Notably, Nigeria has expressed its backing for the establishment of a Heads of State and Government oversight Committee for the AU Reforms under President William Ruto’s leadership—a move that is expected to streamline decision-making and ensure that reforms are implemented in a manner that is both transparent and inclusive.

However, President Tinubu cautioned against trying to achieve consensus on all aspects of the reform process in one sweeping motion. “It is in this connection that Nigeria wishes to reiterate that instead of seeking to reach consensus on all fronts of our reform at one sweep, we should concentrate on areas where we have already reached consensus,” he asserted. He advocated for a phased approach to reform, arguing that incremental progress is preferable to a rushed overhaul that could lead to further instability. “There is no harm in carrying out reform in phases. It would be an error to continue seeking consultation on all fronts in perpetuity,” he said.

The Nigerian government’s firm stance underscores its commitment to maintaining a stable and secure AU framework while ensuring that any reforms are implemented without destabilizing the current system. Critics have previously argued that a hasty restructuring of AU departments could create budgetary inefficiencies and weaken the institution’s overall effectiveness. Nigeria’s approach, as outlined by President Tinubu, seeks to strike a balance between necessary reforms and fiscal prudence.

Political analysts have noted that Nigeria’s position reflects a pragmatic understanding of the challenges facing the AU. “Nigeria is using its considerable influence within the African Union to advocate for reforms that are not only progressive but also economically sustainable,” said one senior analyst. “By rejecting unnecessary splits within the AU’s departmental structure, President Tinubu is protecting resources and ensuring that reforms lead to tangible improvements rather than administrative bloat.”

Moreover, this development comes amid a backdrop of growing calls for transparency and accountability in international organizations. With the AU facing increasing pressure to adapt to the evolving geopolitical landscape, Nigeria’s insistence on a phased, consensus-driven approach may serve as a model for reform across the continent.

As discussions on AU reforms continue, the Nigerian government’s clear message is that stability, cost-effectiveness, and inclusiveness must remain at the forefront of any changes. The rejection of the proposal to create a separate Peace Support Operations Directorate within the AU is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to preserving the integrity of existing structures while still pushing for meaningful change.

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In conclusion, President Bola Tinubu’s rejection of the proposed departmental split within the AU, as conveyed by Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, represents a strategic effort to maintain fiscal discipline and political stability in the face of sweeping reform initiatives. By endorsing a phased, consensus-based approach, Nigeria is setting a precedent for how international organizations can evolve without compromising their core functions or overextending their budgets. This measured stance is expected to resonate with other Member States, reinforcing the importance of balanced, thoughtful reforms in achieving a more vibrant and effective African Union. Stay tuned for further updates as the debate on AU reforms unfolds on the global stage.