AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security takes Oath to promote good governance, peace and stability
The AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (AU-PAPS), Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, took his oath of office at a swearing-in ceremony of the members of the AU Commission, presided over by the Chairperson of the Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat on 15 March. Speaking after the ceremony, Commissioner Bankole outlined his five strategic pillars to reinvigorate good governance, peace, stability, security and human rights across Africa, in tandem with the Regional Economic Communities/Regional Mechanisms (RECs/RMs) and under the aegis of African Heads of State and Government.
Underlining the urgency for conflict prevention and mediation, Commissioner Bankole stressed on the need to promote “open, democratic and inclusive societies to empower resilient communities, improve lives, socio-economic development and human security.” He reiterated his plan to implement the new African Union Political Affairs, Peace and Security (AU-PAPS) structure, promote democracy, enhance inclusive and smart partnerships and strengthen capacities in peace operations and in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
To advance African positions globally, Commissioner Bankole outlined his vision to strategically engage with AU member states, specifically members of the AUPSC and members of the Africa Group (A3) at the UN Security Council (UNSC), in order to pursue Africa’s strategic priorities at the UNSC, within other UN decision making bodies and with friends and partners of Africa.
Furthermore, he announced his plan to oversee the quarterly publication of a flagship knowledge product on the state of governance, peace and security in Africa and to ensure the effective and efficient transition of the AU-PAPS in the context of the AU reforms. He described his leadership style as “inclusive, participatory and accountable, driving the implementation of AU institutional frameworks and mechanisms, in line with AU principles and policies”, and firmly anchored in the AU Agenda 2063 integrating the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and the African Governance Architecture (AGA). He further urged working as a formidable team to deliver on the AU’s priorities to silence the guns and scale up the momentum to lead efforts towards peace, stability, security and good governance in Africa.