Amanze Chinonye
Nigeria has stressed that lasting peace in Africa hinges on African-led security initiatives and must remain free from private military and security companies (PMCs).
President Tinubu delivered the position on Monday during the first plenary session on Peace, Security, Governance, and Multilateralism at the 7th African Union–European Union (AU–EU) Summit in Luanda.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu warned that the resurgence of private military actors in African conflicts “complicates resolution efforts and undermines state sovereignty.” He emphasized that peace and security interventions must be co-created with African partners and anchored in African-led frameworks, adding that externally imposed solutions often fail without strong regional ownership.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelNigeria also renewed its call for UN Security Council reform, advocating permanent African seats with veto power. Tinubu urged the start of text-based negotiations under the UN’s Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) framework, and called on EU nations to support Africa’s “long-standing and legitimate” demand for global governance reforms.
Highlighting Nigeria’s domestic security measures, Tinubu said the country’s mix of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, combined with regional partnerships, has produced notable results. He disclosed that over 250,000 Boko Haram-affiliated individuals surrendered in early 2025, while more than 120,000 insurgents and family members laid down arms under central components of the strategy.
He cited the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in the Lake Chad Basin as a model of African-led cooperative security. Additionally, Nigeria’s recent Sea-Lift Agreement with the AU Standby Force (ASF) has enhanced rapid deployment capabilities for peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.
Tinubu drew attention to the broader challenges of armed conflict, illicit weapons flows, climate pressures, irregular migration, and political instability, urging renewed AU–EU commitment to preventive diplomacy, inclusive governance, and long-term investment in people and infrastructure. On migration, he said:
“Seasonal mobility has underpinned West African civilisation for centuries. Our task is to convert mobility into safe, orderly, and productive pathways that benefit both continents.”
On governance, Tinubu condemned the resurgence of Unconstitutional Changes of Government (UCGs), arguing that coups undermine the AU’s democratic principles and are often linked to external pressures. He highlighted the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD) initiative, a collaborative framework aimed at strengthening constitutional order, countering disinformation, and supporting governance reforms in West Africa.
Tinubu also expressed concern over ongoing conflicts in Sudan and South Sudan, noting that the Sudan crisis alone has caused over 40,000 deaths and displaced more than 12 million people. He called for accountability for external powers fueling conflicts and stressed the need for sustained international diplomatic engagement.
While praising the EU’s longstanding support for the AU, particularly through the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), Tinubu stressed that externally driven initiatives cannot succeed without strong regional ownership and an understanding of local dynamics.
“As the world witnesses a diminishing commitment to multilateralism, the EU remains a platform for collaboration, anchored on mutual respect and shared aspirations,” he said, expressing gratitude to Angola for its hospitality and to the EU for its continued support of continental peace and security initiatives.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
