Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Luanda, Angola, where he will represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
Shettima’s trip was disclosed on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha.
The high-level African Union meeting is focused on strengthening mechanisms for conflict prevention and resolution across the continent, with leaders expected to deliberate on practical responses to growing regional security challenges.
The summit is taking place in Luanda from August 29 to 30, with the main 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly scheduled for Sunday, August 30.
Shettima will join other African leaders and key stakeholders to examine ways of improving continental cooperation on conflict prevention, dispute resolution and the promotion of lasting peace and stability.
The Vice President is also expected to deliver President Tinubu’s address at the summit, presenting Nigeria’s position on the issues under consideration and reaffirming the country’s commitment to peace and stability across Africa.
The meeting comes at a time when several parts of the continent continue to grapple with armed conflicts, terrorism, violent extremism, political instability and other security threats.
African leaders are expected to assess whether existing continental peace and security mechanisms are sufficiently equipped to respond to the changing nature of conflicts and emerging threats.
For Nigeria, the summit provides another opportunity to reinforce its long-standing role in African peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
The country has remained involved in regional and continental security efforts over the years, including diplomatic initiatives and cooperation with African institutions aimed at preventing conflicts and managing crises.
The Luanda discussions are expected to place particular emphasis on preventive diplomacy and stronger coordination among the African Union and Regional Economic Communities.
Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, had already arrived in Luanda ahead of the meeting. Her presence is expected to complement Nigeria’s representation at the high-level gathering.
Shettima is accompanied by senior defence and security officials, underscoring the security and peacebuilding focus of the extraordinary session.
The meeting is being held as African governments face growing pressure to develop more effective home-grown responses to conflicts and security crises rather than relying primarily on external interventions.
The summit will also provide an opportunity for participating countries to discuss ways of strengthening African-led mechanisms for resolving disputes and preventing conflicts from escalating.
Nigeria is expected to use the platform to push its position on stronger collective action, greater regional cooperation and sustainable approaches to peace and security.
Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria after concluding his official engagements in Angola.
