During the closing ceremony of the Pan-African Parliament’s 3rd Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament, His Excellency Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner of the African Union Commission for Political Affairs Peace and Security (PAPS), addressed African Parliamentarians calling for concerted and intensified efforts towards peace and security across Africa.
In his speech, Ambassador Adeoye emphasized the critical nature of addressing the continent's multifaceted security challenges. He began by acknowledging the urgent need for collective action in the face of escalating conflicts and environmental crises. "Excellencies, Honorable Members, the peace and security landscape in Africa demands our unwavering attention," Ambassador Adeoye emphasized.
Geostrategically, Ambassador Adeoye outlined how global conflicts such as the Russian-Ukraine conflict, the Israeli war on Gaza, and the impacts of climate change exacerbate existing challenges, particularly in vulnerable regions like the Sahel, Somalia, Sudan, Mozambique, and the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). "Rising insecurity, cross-border tensions, and climate-induced conflicts are threatening our collective security," he highlighted, emphasizing the need for comprehensive, collaborative responses.
"We must continue to work together to save the Sahel, Somalia, and all of Africa," Ambassador Adeoye urged, stressing the importance of shared values and greater commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law.
Ambassador Bankole Adeoye echoed African Parliamentarians’ recommendations for action on the critical issue of the detained Nigerien President Bazoom, calling the urgent need for his immediate and unconditional release. Ambassador Adeoye reiterated the importance of respecting democratic processes and political transitions, urging concerted international efforts to ensure President Bazoom's return to governance in Niger. He called upon parliamentarians and stakeholders to support efforts towards promoting democratic principles and stability in the region with recurring military coups and unconstitutional changes of governments.
"Today, more than ever, our continent faces unprecedented security threats, testing the resilience of our governance and peace architecture," stated Ambassador Adeoye. "We must bolster our commitment to multilateralism to safeguard civilians and uphold human security."
The Commissioner praised the Pan-African Parliament for its pivotal role in advancing peace and security initiatives, commending its efforts in promoting regional cooperation and conflict resolution. He reiterated the African Union's commitment to working closely with the Pan-African Parliament and regional bodies to strengthen early warning systems and post-conflict reconstruction efforts.
"We are resolute in our mission to silence the guns by 2030," Ambassador Adeoye affirmed. "This requires sustainable financing for AU peace operations and the operationalization of the African Standby Force across all regions."
Ambassador Adeoye concluded his address by expressing gratitude for the Parliament's steadfast support and collaboration. He urged parliamentarians to continue advocating for inclusive political transitions and democratic governance, essential for sustaining peace and development in Africa.
Ambassador Adeoye's address capped the deliberations of the Permanent Committee on Cooperation, International Relations, and Conflict Resolution of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), which convened its first sitting of the 3rd Ordinary Session on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. During this session, Ambassador William Azumah Awinador-Kanyirige representing the African Union Commission for Political Affairs Peace and Security briefed parliamentarians on the current state of peace and security in Africa. The African Union Commission for Political Affairs Peace and Security promotes good governance, peace, security, and stability in Africa, and advances African positions globally.
