By Musa Baba Adamu
The African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, has reaffirmed commitment to advancing the AU’s Agenda 2063.
Peoples Daily reports that Agenda 2063 is a strategic framework aimed at fostering peace, good governance and security on the continent.
This is even as Africa continues its quest for stability and sustainable development.
With an eye on reelection for a second term, Adeoye, in his report card released in Abuja on Friday, outlined his administration’s transformative efforts in promoting democracy, countering security threats, and strengthening Africa’s conflict resolution mechanisms.
He disclosed that since assuming office in February 2021, he had led the AU Commission’s (AUC) Department of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (PAPS) in a period marked by political upheavals, security challenges, and democratic transitions.
He said leadership, had reinforced the AU’s role as a proactive force in addressing Africa’s multifaceted challenges.
He noted that part of his administration’s achievements was the facilitation of the Ethiopia-Tigray peace process, culminating in the 2022 cessation of hostilities agreement, a landmark deal that helped to stabilize one of the continent’s most devastating conflicts.
He said he also played a pivotal role in advancing the African Standby Force (ASF), a key instrument in Africa’s rapid response to conflicts, ensuring that the continent is equipped to handle emerging security threats efficiently.
He said: “Under my leadership, the AU has secured sustainable financing for peace operations through the AU Consensus Paper on Predictable Financing, contributing to the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2719 (2023).”
He also highlighted the operationalization of the AU Peace Fund, with an initial allocation of $22 million to enhance the AU’s peace and security initiatives.
At a time Africa faces growing concerns over unconstitutional changes of government (UCGs), Adeoye reaffirmed the AU’s zero-tolerance policy towards military coups and political instability.
He emphasized that facilitating the integration of the African Charter on Democracy and Elections into national curricula and ensuring that democratic principles were instilled in the next generation was imperative.
He further said among his stewardship was “Creating a 10-member Advisory Panel on Democracy and Elections to guide AU’s engagement in democratic processes.
“Revitalizing AU’s election observation system, incorporating post-election preventive diplomacy and enhancing observer training, with women and youth now representing nearly 60% of election observers.
“Our focus has been on reinforcing democratic governance by ensuring that elections across the continent are free, fair, and credible.”
Adeoye said he had also been instrumental in deepening AU-UN relations, revitalizing the AU-UN Enhanced Partnership Framework to strengthen cooperation in peace and security matters.
“In November 2022, under his leadership, the AU launched the Abuja Process, an initiative designed to enhance knowledge sharing and improve the effectiveness of peace support operations (PSOs).”
He said his administration adopted a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for the AU’s Master Roadmap on Silencing the Guns by 2030, ensuring accountability and measurable progress in Africa’s quest to eliminate violent conflicts.
“We have adopted a comprehensive peace, security, and development nexus, engaging stakeholders at national, regional, and international levels to drive sustainable solutions.”
He said leadership was premised on proactive conflict resolution, democratic consolidation, and institutional reforms aligns closely with the AU’s long-term vision for a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated Africa by 2063.
“With ongoing challenges such as terrorism, political instability, and economic inequality, the need for strong, experienced leadership at the AU remains critical.”
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