Shettima Returns After AU Summit, Advocates for Africa

Vice-President Kashim Shettima returned to Abuja on Monday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Luanda, Angola. During the summit, Nigeria emphasized the need for stronger African solutions to conflicts and security challenges on the continent.

The Nigerian delegation advocated for greater reliance on African-led initiatives to prevent and resolve conflicts, while also addressing the issue of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans in South Africa, urging for urgent continental action. Nigeria expressed support for the Luanda Action Plan and called on AU member states to take collective responsibility for peace and security, alongside advocating for sustainable funding of the continent's peace and security architecture.

Shettima's return coincided with criticism from Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party, regarding the simultaneous absence of both the President and Vice-President from the country.