LUANDA — Nigeria has called on the African Union to explore innovative and sustainable financing mechanisms to strengthen the continent’s capacity to prevent and resolve conflicts and reduce dependence on external funding.
The call was made by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the 26th Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union in Luanda, Angola on Thursday.
The session was convened on the theme, _“Strengthening Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa.”_
Speaking on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended the progress made in strengthening the AU Peace Fund.
She noted that member states had collectively contributed toward the $400 million capitalisation target, while the Fund’s balance had exceeded $405 million.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the disbursement of about $39 million for mediation, preventive diplomacy, peace support operations and other interventions demonstrates the Fund’s growing role in addressing Africa’s peace and security challenges.
“African-led peace operations require predictable and reliable financing for personnel, logistics, equipment and other operational needs. Uncertain funding could undermine their effectiveness,” she said.
The Minister urged member states to continue to honour their assessed contributions, describing them not merely as obligations but as investments in collective security and sovereignty.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed the need for the African Union to move from dependence on external assistance towards greater African self-reliance. She added that while international partners continue to play an important role in supporting peace and security on the continent, external assistance should complement African ownership and not substitute for it.
“African resources should remain the foundation of African peace and security financing,” she said.
Nigeria Urges AU To Adopt Sustainable Financing For Conflict Prevention
