- …AU says B.faso, Mali, Niger withdrawal unacceptable
The chairman Authority of Heads of States and Government, President Bola Tinubu has solicited the support of member states to retain the position of AU Commissioner for Political Affairs and Security.
President Tinubu made the call on Sunday, July 7, while addressing the meeting of the 65th Ordinary Session of Authority of Heads of States and Government ,at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
The Nigerian leader, who reminded the member States of the AU election slated for February 25th 2025, recalled that the West African region has faced significant insecurity challenges such as terrorism, violence extremism and banditry hence the need to support the re-election of Nigeria’s seat as the Commissioner for Political Affairs and Security.
The Nigeria’s seat at the AU Commission is currently occupied by Ambassador Bankole Adeoye.
President Tinubu restated that the seat of the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs and Security is crucial to the region, adding that Nigeria currently represents the west African.
“Before closing, I will like to remind my esteem colleagues that the election of the management of the AU commission election is schedule for February 2025, as I mentioned earlier our region continue to face significant security challenges, including terrorism, violence extremism and banditry currently West Africa holds the position of AU Commissioner for political affairs and security ,a crucial role for our region.
“Therefore I solicit for our support for the candidacy of Ambassador Bankole Adeoye seeking re election as a sole male candidate for this position for our region”.
Meanwhile, the AU has said that the said withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger is not acceptable.
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AU said it believed in the unity of ECOWAS and would support all efforts to ensure the region’s prosperity.
Moussa Faki, Chairperson of AU Commission also commended the efforts of ECOWAS at addressing insecurity in the region.
Besides, Faki who was represented by Ambassador Adeoye also described ECOWAS as a pace setter in the area of security and constitutional transition of government as exemplified in the recent elections in the region.
“African Union is very proud of ECOWAS. We advocate and fully support unity of ECOWAS.
“The withdrawal of the three countries is not acceptable to African Union.”
He therefore assured ECOWAS that AU will continue to support all its efforts.