Tinubu warning at AU–EU Summit stresses dangers of private armies and calls for African-led security reforms
Luanda, Angola, 25 November 2025 – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Monday delivered a stark Tinubu warning against the escalating use of private military and security contractors in African conflict zones, telling the opening plenary of the 7th African Union–European Union Summit that such actors undermine sovereignty and hamper coordinated counter-terrorism operations.
Also read: Tinubu Halts G20 Trip as Security Crisis Deepens in Kebbi
Shettima, speaking on behalf of Tinubu during the session on Peace, Security, Governance and Multilateralism, said African governments must lead and own their security responses rather than outsource them to private entities with uncertain mandates.
He argued that Africa’s complex battles with terrorism and transnational crime demand unified state command structures rather than parallel forces that dilute authority.
Tinubu’s position aligns with Nigeria’s long-standing approach to peace support missions under ECOWAS and the African Union.
He warned that the global drift away from multilateralism has produced a more fragile security environment and stressed that the EU remains one of the few partners still engaging Africa on a continent-wide platform grounded in mutual respect.
The President reiterated Nigeria’s push for comprehensive reform of global governance, insisting that Africa should secure permanent seats with full veto rights on the United Nations Security Council.
He urged EU member states to back substantive negotiations to correct what he described as an outdated power imbalance.
Shettima noted that more than 120,000 individuals associated with Boko Haram had surrendered in early 2025 as a result of Nigeria’s mix of military pressure and non-kinetic programmes.
He highlighted the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Basin as a model of effective African-led cooperation and praised the new Sea-Lift Agreement between the Nigerian Navy and the AU Standby Force, which strengthens rapid deployment capacity during crises.
Tinubu also addressed irregular migration, cautioning that criminalising mobility has only worsened insecurity.
He proposed structured labour pathways, including technical aid schemes and business process outsourcing, to harness West Africa’s skilled youth for legal employment in Europe.
He said mobility, when responsibly managed, could become a powerful economic engine rather than a security liability.
The President criticised the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government across Africa and said such disruptions erode democratic foundations and fuel instability.
He encouraged the EU to work more closely with African partners to address the structural pressures behind coups, disinformation and extremist narratives.
He warned that the conflict in Sudan, which has displaced millions, and rising tensions in South Sudan require renewed diplomatic engagement.
He welcomed the G7’s recent call for deeper mediation but said external actors prolonging conflicts must be held accountable.
Tinubu expressed appreciation to Angola for hosting the summit and acknowledged Europe’s continued support for the African Peace and Security Architecture.
Also read: Tinubu – No outrage, no shock as terrorists kill General, kidnap over 200 students
He said Nigeria remains committed to helping build a stable, prosperous and just continent, anchored on African-led peacebuilding and sustained international cooperation.
