President Bola Tinubu expressed Nigeria’s strong support for the African Union (AU) in its efforts to secure consensus positions for the continent on economic and socio-political relations with the world. President Tinubu held bilateral discussions with President Azali Assoumani of the Union of Comoros, who also serves as the chairperson of the African Union, during a meeting in New York.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu emphasized the pivotal role of freedom and constitutional order in achieving development and prosperity. He commended the AU for its dedicated work in bringing about peace in the Sahel region and its active involvement in negotiations between warring factions in Sudan, which he described as a significant step towards peace. President Tinubu also acknowledged the AU’s efforts in Burkina Faso and the effective cooperation on matters concerning Niger.
President Tinubu expressed his commitment to collaborating with the AU and highlighted the importance of stability and prosperity for the African continent. He underscored the need to create a sustainable development model and pledged Nigeria’s support. However, he emphasized the importance of moving beyond those with a narrow and harmful vision of Africa. While President Tinubu stressed that Nigeria was not afraid of confrontation, he advocated for restraint at present.
In response, President Azali Assoumani, the chairperson of the African Union, stated that the AU aimed to complement Nigeria’s efforts in securing peace and prosperity in Africa rather than competing with it. He emphasized the AU’s responsibility in addressing extra-constitutional power struggles on the continent and conveyed the message to China and Russia that stability in countries affected by coups was essential for developmental partnerships.
Azali Assoumani, also serving as the President of the Union of Comoros, expressed a desire to learn from Nigeria’s experience in diversity management, electoral officiation, and economic growth. He sought Nigeria’s cooperation in conducting an election that would earn Comoros the respect of the international community and enable the nation to develop at an appropriate pace and quality.
Furthermore, President Tinubu welcomed the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Brahim Taha, and stressed the strategic role of the Islamic world in promoting peace and development in Africa and globally. He highlighted the importance of the ongoing efforts in the Sahel region and urged Muslim leaders to emphasize that leaders are chosen by Allah rather than pursuing power through illegitimate means.