Bankole Adeoye is the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security. He was elected to this position in February 2021. As the continent is faced with major socio-economic and security challenges, the African Union is committed to fighting terrorism and insecurity, in line with the aspirations of its Agenda 2063. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye is leading the African Union’s actions in this fight.
Nigerian Bankole Adeoye is the African Union’s Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security. Elected to the post in February 2021 at the 34th African Union Summit, he replaced Algerian Smail Chergui, who held the post for two consecutive terms. He is responsible for leading the development and implementation of policies, programs and strategies on political affairs, peace and security in line with the aspirations of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
The African Union Political affairs, peace and security is a very strategic portfolio. As we all know it’s at the heart of Agenda 2063. It is the heartbeat of our continent when it comes to the future of our youths, women, elderly persons, and how we engage partners and the international community. It is a very strategic position.
H.E Bankole Adeoye, African Union Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation
Ambassador Bankole Adeoye is the first African Union commissioner to combine the Peace and Security portfolio with the Political Affairs portfolio, merged by the new reform. The 76-year-old has more than 30 years of experience in foreign policy and diplomatic practice. He leads the action of the African Union in the fight against terrorism in African countries and unconstitutional changes, taking strict measures against the states concerned.
Whatever trend we are witnessing in our member states we are monitoring closely because we have regional analysts who day to day monitor this development around the world. But our principles continue to guide us. We are one of the very few internal governmental bodies in the world that suspends member states and holds them accountable for failure in democratic governance. Any Coup or attempted Coup will be roundly condemned by the African Union without exception.
H.E Bankole Adeoye, African Union Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation
Before joining the African Union, Bankole Adeoye served as Nigeria’s permanent representative to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and ambassador to Ethiopia with concurrent accreditation to Djibouti from 2017 to 2020. According to him, diplomatic prevention should be encouraged as a means of peacekeeping.
Over the years we have invested so much in responding to conflicts without investing our tools, energy and time in conflict prevention. I believe the African Union, the world will be a better place for us if we promote preventive diplomacy as was championed by one of Africa’s greatest sons in the past Dr Bruce Lee Galey who also became UN Secretary general. He spoke about the emphasis on preventive diplomacy.
H.E Bankole Adeoye, African Union Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation
With a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History and a Master’s degree in Political Science, obtained in 1982 and 1987 respectively, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye dedicated his career to creating synergies for good governance, peace, security and sustainable development.
