President Bola Tinubu has rejected the deployment of private military and security companies in African conflict zones, warning that their involvement undermines state sovereignty and complicates counter-terrorism efforts.
Speaking on Monday at the first plenary session on “Peace, Security, Governance and Multilateralism” during the 7th African Union–European Union (AU–EU) Summit in Luanda, Angola, Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, stated:
“We stand resolutely against the use of private military and security companies in African conflicts, as their presence often complicates resolution efforts and undermines state sovereignty.”
The Nigerian president stressed that Africa’s security challenges, including terrorism and transnational organized crime, require coordinated, state-led responses rather than parallel forces with unclear mandates.
Tinubu’s remarks reaffirm Nigeria’s longstanding approach to regional peace missions under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union.
He also highlighted the fragile global security environment amid a decline in multilateralism while commending the EU as one of the few remaining platforms for continent-to-continent cooperation based on mutual respect.
The president reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace and democratic stability across Africa and called for permanent United Nations Security Council seats for African nations.
“It is time for Africa to occupy permanent seats on the UN Security Council, with all attendant privileges, including the veto. Genuine text-based negotiations under the Intergovernmental Negotiations framework must now commence,” he said, appealing for EU support.
On regional security, Tinubu cited Nigeria’s counter-terrorism progress, noting that more than 250,000 Boko Haram-affiliated individuals had surrendered by early 2025 through both kinetic and non-kinetic measures, including operations by the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Basin.
He also emphasized African-led solutions for irregular migration, highlighting the economic and demographic drivers behind mobility.
“Criminalising mobility has only compounded insecurity. Our task is to convert mobility into safe, orderly, and productive pathways that benefit both continents,” he said, pointing to initiatives like Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps and business process outsourcing programs.
The president urged the EU to work with African partners to prevent unconstitutional changes of government, support governance reforms, and counter extremist narratives.
Citing Sudan’s conflict, which has killed over 40,000 people and displaced more than 12 million, he warned of the dangers of external interference.
Tinubu concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with the EU on peace and security efforts, emphasizing that solutions must be co-created with African stakeholders and grounded in local ownership.
The 7th AU–EU Summit, co-chaired by Angola’s President João Lourenço and European Council President António Costa, brings together African and European leaders to discuss security cooperation, governance, trade, and migration.
