Nigeria has warned that durable peace across Africa will remain out of reach unless the continent takes full ownership of its security architecture—free from the influence of private military contractors and anchored in legally grounded, African-led initiatives.
This was the central message delivered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima—during the opening plenary on Peace, Security, Governance and Multilateralism at the 7th AU–EU Summit in Luanda, Angola.
Tinubu cautioned that the resurgence of private military and security companies in African conflict zones “complicates resolution efforts and undermines state sovereignty,” insisting that security responses “must be co-created with African partners and rooted in African frameworks.” He stressed that foreign-designed solutions often fail without genuine regional ownership.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s long-standing push for global governance reform, the President renewed the call for Africa to secure permanent seats—complete with veto powers—on the UN Security Council. He urged EU member states to support Africa’s “legitimate and overdue” demands and back meaningful, text-based negotiations under the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) framework.
According to a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications, Tinubu said Nigeria’s blend of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies has produced notable gains in the fight against insurgency. He disclosed that more than 250,000 Boko Haram-linked individuals surrendered in early 2025, with an additional 120,000 insurgents and family members laying down their arms due to intensified regional coordination.
He highlighted the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) as a prime example of effective African-led collaboration. He also noted that Nigeria’s recent Sea-Lift Agreement with the AU Standby Force has strengthened rapid deployment capabilities for peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.
Addressing broader continental challenges—including arms proliferation, climate pressures, irregular migration, and political instability—Tinubu called for renewed AU–EU cooperation focused on preventive diplomacy, inclusive governance, and long-term investment in people and infrastructure.
On migration, he argued that criminalising mobility is counterproductive. Instead, he proposed structured labour pathways such as Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) models, which he said could offer Europe access to Africa’s skilled youth while reducing dangerous migration routes.
“Seasonal mobility has shaped West African civilisation for centuries. Our task is to transform it into safe and productive pathways that benefit both continents,” he noted.
Tinubu condemned the rise in Unconstitutional Changes of Government (UCGs), warning that coups weaken the AU’s democratic foundations and often stem from external interference. To address this, he referenced the newly launched Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD), which aims to boost constitutional order, counter disinformation, and strengthen governance in West Africa.
He also expressed concern over ongoing conflicts in Sudan and South Sudan, noting that the Sudan crisis alone has resulted in more than 40,000 deaths and displaced over 12 million people. He called for accountability for external actors fuelling conflicts and urged sustained international diplomacy.
While acknowledging the EU’s support for the African Peace and Security Architecture since 2002, Tinubu emphasised that no external initiative can succeed without strong African leadership and deep understanding of local dynamics.
“Nigeria remains committed to advancing democratic governance, stability, and peace across the continent,” he affirmed, while expressing appreciation to Angola for its hospitality and to the EU for its continued partnership.
The summit continues in Luanda as African and European leaders deliberate on strengthening ties, promoting security, and building a more balanced multilateral order.
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