Shettima departs Abuja for AU peace, security summit in Angola

Abdullateef Fowewe

Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Luanda, Angola, where he will represent President Bola Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, said the high-level meeting would focus on strategies for conflict resolution and the promotion of lasting peace and stability across Africa.

Nkwocha said Shettima would join other African leaders and key stakeholders in the Angolan capital to deliberate on “practical solutions to regional security challenges” and efforts to improve conflict prevention and resolution on the continent.

“The high-level summit will focus on critical strategies for conflict resolution and the advancement of lasting peace and stability across the African continent,” the statement said.

According to the statement, Nigeria is expected to contribute to discussions on strengthening continental mechanisms for preventing conflicts, resolving disputes and sustaining peace, in line with its longstanding role in peacebuilding initiatives across Africa and beyond.

The Vice President, who is accompanied by senior defence and security officials, will deliver President Tinubu’s address at the summit.

He is expected to outline Nigeria’s position on issues under consideration and “reaffirm the country’s commitment to peace and stability across the continent.”

Shettima will return to Nigeria after concluding his engagements in Angola.