London, 20^th April 2023: The Royal African Society, Britain’s leading platform for African voices in the UK and secretariat to the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) was delighted to host an Africa roundtable meeting with Bankole Adeoye, the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (PAPS). The meeting was chaired by Theo Clarke MP, and participants included the APPG for Africa’s Chair, Chi Onwurah MP, Lyn Brown MP, Shadow Minister for Africa, Baroness Uddin and Lord Purvis. The roundtable with the Commissioner provided a forum in which to discuss the UK’s relationship with the African Union, as well urgent areas of concern, such as security and instability in Sudan, Eritrea, the Sahel, and the AU’s planned withdrawal from Somalia. Moreover, the discussion was designed to furnish MPs with a greater understanding of the African Union’s evolving priorities and its broader strategic agenda.

Over the course of a lengthy discussion, Commissioner Bankole urged British legislators to advocate for greater capacity building of the Somali security forces as the African Union aims to complete its withdrawal on a revised timetable, by 31 December 2024. UK legislators requested the view of the Commissioner on his organisation’s perception of, and attitude towards, the unfolding crisis in Sudan. Responding to these questions, Bankole Adeoye reiterated the African Union’s commitment to seeing the conflict peacefully resolved: “The African Union remains deeply concerned about the situation in Sudan. As underscored by the AU peace and security council (PSC) , I continue to urge the international community to ensure immediate ceasefire without preconditions and pursue dialogue to find solutions to the conflict”.

Moreover, Commissioner Bankole called for a collective, harmonised response to escalating violence in Sudan, declaring that, “Despite the deteriorating situation in Sudan, the African Union is committed to move forward, building effective partnerships that are critical to our continent’s future.  Smart, inclusive, value-driven partnerships.  I therefore call for a coordinated and common response to the ravaging conflict in Sudan in the key interest of a peaceful world”.

The roundtable discussion also covered issues emerging from the Sahel region, and their complex implications for continental – and global – security. Indeed, this region is also confronting devastating changes as a result of climate change, and the issue of climate change – as well as mitigation strategies and support – featured prominently in discussions.

Prior to his appointment as African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (PAPS) in March of 2021, Bankole served as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the AU and UNECA and Ambassador to Ethiopia and Djibouti from 2017 to 2020. The Commissioner has also served as Director (UN issues) in the International Organizations Department of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and has completed postings to Egypt; Brazil; South Africa and Ethiopia.

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About Royal African Society

The Royal African Society, founded in 1901, is a non-governmental membership charity dedicated to amplifying African voices in the UK and the world, helping put Africa at the centre of global conversations.  We work with academia, business, politics, the arts and education to learn about, debate, celebrate and connect with all things African.  Through our festivals, events, networks, publications, and digital media, we reach an audience of around three million people worldwide.

More information about the Society can be found on our website and in our Annual Reports.