Breaking: President Tinubu Arrives In Ethiopia, Gears Up To Address AU On Security Challenges

President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to participate in the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government.

The summit, scheduled from February 14 to 18, 2025, brings together African leaders to deliberate on key continental issues, including security, diplomacy, and economic development.

Confirming Tinubu’s arrival, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, issued a statement on Friday titled, ‘President Tinubu Arrives Ethiopia for AU Summit.’

Official Welcome and Diplomatic Briefing

Upon arrival, Tinubu was received by Ethiopian Deputy Chief of Protocol, Eshetu Legesse, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the Charge d’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Ethiopia, Nasir Aminu.

Following his arrival, Tuggar briefed the President on the summit’s agenda and Nigeria’s recent diplomatic achievements, particularly the re-election of Bankole Adeoye as AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security. Nigeria also retained its seat on the AU Peace and Security Council, reinforcing its leadership role in African diplomacy.

Nigeria’s Diplomatic Gains

Tuggar emphasized that Nigeria’s continued presence on the AU Peace and Security Council strengthens its position as a key player in promoting peace and security across Africa.

Among those present at the briefing were top government officials, including:

• Minister of Finance: Wale Edun
• Minister of Defence: Abubakar Badaru
• Minister of Trade and Investment: Jumoke Oduwole
• Minister of Aviation: Festus Keyamo
• Minister of Information and National Orientation: Muhammed Idris
• Minister of Environment: Balarabe Lawal
• Minister of State for Finance: Doris Uzoka-Anite
• Director-General, National Intelligence Agency: Mohammed Mohammed
• Chief of Naval Staff: Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla

Summit Theme: Reparations and Security Challenges

This year’s AU Summit is themed ‘Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations’, focusing on reparatory justice and racial healing.

President Tinubu is expected to deliver a key speech at the AU Peace and Security Council meeting, where discussions will center on Africa’s security challenges, including the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.