VP Shettima Heads to Angola for AU Summit, Represents Tinubu on Peace Mission

Nigeria's Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has embarked on a journey from Abuja to Luanda, Angola. His mission is to stand in for President Bola Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.

The Vice President's travel was officially announced on Saturday through a statement released by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications within the Office of the Vice President. Nkwocha detailed that the high-level gathering is primarily focused on devising strategies for resolving conflicts and fostering enduring peace and stability across the African continent.

Shettima is set to engage with fellow African leaders and other key participants who will converge in the Angolan capital. Their collective aim is to deliberate on practical remedies for regional security challenges and to bolster joint efforts towards both preventing and resolving conflicts. Nigeria, known for its significant contributions to peacebuilding and conflict resolution within Africa and globally, is expected to play a crucial role in discussions aimed at strengthening continental frameworks for conflict prevention, dispute resolution, and sustained peace.

According to the statement, Nigeria's involvement at the summit will underscore its unwavering dedication to promoting peace and resolving conflicts throughout the continent. The statement reiterated: “Senator Shettima will join African leaders and other key stakeholders converging on the Angolan capital to discuss practical solutions to regional security challenges and strengthen collective efforts towards conflict prevention and resolution.”

Accompanied by high-ranking defence and security officials, the Vice President will present President Tinubu’s address to the assembly. The statement further highlighted that “Senator Shettima will deliver President Tinubu’s address at the summit, outlining Nigeria’s position on the issues under consideration and reaffirming the country’s commitment to peace and stability across the continent.”

Beyond conflict resolution, the summit's agenda also includes exploring avenues to reinforce continental mechanisms designed to prevent conflicts, settle disputes, and maintain peace amidst the prevailing security issues across Africa. Vice President Shettima is slated to return to Nigeria once his official engagements in Angola are concluded.