President Bola Tinubu has rejected the growing use of private military and security contractors in African conflict zones, warning that their involvement undermines sovereignty and complicates counter-terrorism efforts. Speaking at the 7th African Union–European Union Summit in Luanda, Angola, Tinubu—represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima—stressed that peace must be led and owned by African governments, not outsourced to private actors with unclear mandates.
“We stand resolutely against the use of private military companies in African conflicts, as their presence often complicates resolution efforts and undermines state sovereignty,” he said. Tinubu emphasized that Africa’s security challenges—from terrorism to transnational crime—require coordinated, state-driven responses.
Highlighting Nigeria’s experience, he noted that over 250,000 Boko Haram-affiliated individuals surrendered in early 2025 thanks to a mix of military and non-military strategies, including the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Basin. The President also cited initiatives like the Sea-Lift Agreement with the AU Standby Force, which boosts Africa’s rapid deployment capabilities for peace and humanitarian missions.
Tinubu called for stronger AU–EU cooperation, stressing that sustainable peace requires African-led frameworks and local ownership. He proposed structured labour pathways to address irregular migration, pointing to Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps and other initiatives as models to convert mobility into safe, productive opportunities.
The President also urged reform of the United Nations Security Council to grant Africa permanent, veto-wielding seats, arguing that the continent’s voice in global governance has long been overdue. He warned that unconstitutional changes of government undermine democracy and stressed that preventive diplomacy, inclusive governance, and investment in people remain essential for long-term stability.
