Shettima Arrives Angola for AU Summit

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Luanda, Angola, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government.

Shettima was received on arrival by senior Angolan officials and members of the Nigerian delegation, including Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Defence Minister Christopher Musa, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi and NiDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

The summit, themed “Strengthening Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa,” is focused on strengthening the continent’s capacity to prevent and resolve conflicts and respond to emerging security threats.

Leaders are expected to deliberate on early warning and early action, preventive diplomacy, counterterrorism, sustainable financing for peace and security, and stronger coordination between the AU, member states and regional economic communities.

The summit will also examine ways to strengthen the African Peace and Security Architecture, the African Governance Architecture and the role of the AU Peace and Security Council.

Ahead of the leaders’ meeting, the 26th Extraordinary Session of the AU Executive Council was held in Luanda, with foreign ministers and senior officials preparing issues for consideration by the heads of state.

Following his arrival, Shettima received a briefing from Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Nigerian diplomatic officials on the key issues expected to dominate the summit.