The upcoming re-election of the African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (PAPS), Bankole Adeoye, has become a highly contested issue, with his leadership facing significant scrutiny. Despite initial expectations that his reappointment would be a seamless process, the reality on the ground is far more complex. The outgoing commissioner is now confronted with an uphill battle as some African Union member states express their discontent over his handling of critical regional conflicts.
Bankole Adeoye, a seasoned Nigerian diplomat, was initially appointed to the role of AU Commissioner for PAPS in 2021, tasked with overseeing the Union’s efforts in addressing political, peace, and security challenges across the continent. However, as the AU approaches its decision on whether to re-elect him for a second term, Adeoye finds himself at odds with several member states who feel his tenure has been marked by a lack of decisive action on key crises in Africa, particularly in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The situation in Sudan has been one of the most significant challenges facing the AU over the past few years. The conflict, which erupted in 2023 between rival military factions, has led to devastating consequences for the civilian population. Despite the AU’s role in peacekeeping and mediation across Africa, Adeoye’s response to the Sudanese crisis has been criticised for its inadequacy. Many member states have expressed frustration over the AU’s failure to take a firm stance or deliver substantial intervention to halt the violence. Critics argue that Adeoye’s approach has been overly cautious and lacking the urgency needed to address the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Sudan.
Similarly, the ongoing conflict in the DRC, where armed groups continue to destabilize large parts of the eastern region, has raised further concerns. The AU has been slow to mobilise resources for peacekeeping missions or to engage diplomatically with the stakeholders involved in the crisis. As these conflicts escalate, Adeoye’s leadership has been increasingly questioned by African governments, who believe that the AU’s credibility is at stake due to the lack of progress under his watch.
In addition to his perceived ineffectiveness in managing regional conflicts, Adeoye has been criticized for his lack of responsiveness to some of the AU’s most pressing political issues. His inability to unite member states on a common position regarding security threats and his perceived failure to foster collaboration with international partners have added to his list of grievances. The role of the PAPS commissioner demands not only strategic diplomacy but also a proactive approach to conflict resolution, areas in which many believe Adeoye has fallen short.
As a result, several member states have begun to publicly question whether Adeoye is the right leader to continue steering the AU’s political and peace security policies. His re-election now faces stiff opposition, with calls for a new direction in the AU’s approach to conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
In the coming months, the African Union will have to navigate this challenge and decide whether to endorse Adeoye for another term or seek fresh leadership that can address the evolving security challenges across the continent. The outcome of this decision will undoubtedly have profound implications for the future of peace and security efforts in Africa, as well as for the AU’s role in shaping the continent’s political landscape.
