At a high-level AU–EU gathering in Luanda on Monday, President Bola Tinubu restated Africa’s demand for permanent representation on the UN Security Council, arguing that global governance can no longer exclude a continent of over one billion people.
The President, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima during the first plenary session on Peace, Security, Governance and Multilateralism, insisted that Africa’s inclusion must come with full privileges, including the veto.
Tinubu stressed that a comprehensive reform of global institutions is overdue and urged immediate commencement of text-based negotiations under the Intergovernmental Negotiations framework. He expressed hope that EU member states would back Africa’s long-standing quest for structural changes within the United Nations.
He emphasised the need for renewed AU–EU commitment to preventive diplomacy, inclusive governance, and deeper investment in people and infrastructure.
Tinubu noted that the European Union has remained a strong and reliable partner to the African Union since the establishment of the African Peace and Security Architecture in 2002.
Addressing the wider security situation across the continent, he pointed out that Nigeria’s experience has shown how unchecked regional instability creates fertile ground for terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and transnational organised crime.
He disclosed that more than 250,000 individuals affiliated with Boko Haram had surrendered in early 2025 through Nigeria’s continuous mix of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies.
He described the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Basin as a proven model of African-led cooperative security.
Tinubu added that another 120,000 Boko Haram-linked individuals, including families, surrendered within the same timeframe, highlighting the positive outcomes of Nigeria’s sustained counterinsurgency approach.
The President also highlighted the recent Sea-Lift Agreement between the Nigerian Navy and the AU Standby Force, explaining that the partnership enhances Africa’s rapid deployment capacity for peace operations and humanitarian support.
He commended the EU’s engagement in efforts to restore stability in the Sahel while acknowledging Europe’s concerns over irregular migration, much of which stems from ungoverned spaces shaped by insecurity.
Tinubu called for a new EU approach anchored on African-led frameworks, warning that externally imposed initiatives, no matter how well-intentioned, rarely succeed without strong regional ownership and a clear understanding of local complexities.
He argued that irregular migration must be addressed by recognising its economic and demographic roots, noting that criminalising mobility has worsened insecurity in many regions.
To address this, he proposed structured labour pathways such as Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps and expanded Business Process Outsourcing opportunities.
He stated that Nigeria’s large pool of skilled young people could support Europe’s labour needs without relying on irregular migration channels.
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Tinubu added that seasonal mobility has long been part of West African civilisation, and that the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement merely reflects historical reality. He urged both continents to transform mobility into safe, orderly, and productive exchanges.
On the recent wave of Unconstitutional Changes of Government in Africa, the President expressed concern that such disruptions weaken the foundational principles of the African Union.
He linked the rise of these events to external pressures and political fragility and urged the EU to partner with African countries in identifying and tackling the underlying causes.
He referenced the Regional Partnership for Democracy, launched by Nigeria and its neighbours, to strengthen constitutional order, counter extremist propaganda, curb disinformation, and support governance reforms across West Africa.
He said the initiative reflects the region’s belief that security and democratic stability must advance together.
Tinubu drew attention to the humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan, where more than 40,000 people have been killed and over 12 million displaced. While welcoming renewed diplomatic engagement from the G7, he insisted that external actors contributing to the conflict must be held accountable.
He also warned that tensions in South Sudan require sustained engagement to ensure full implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement ahead of the 2026 elections.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s position on the use of private military and security companies, Tinubu stated that such entities often complicate peace processes and undermine state sovereignty.
He maintained that peace and security interventions in Africa must be African-led and implemented through legitimate continental structures.
The President expressed Nigeria’s readiness to work more closely with the EU to build a stable, just, and prosperous global order.
He extended appreciation to the Government and people of Angola for their hospitality and thanked the European Union for its longstanding partnership with the African Union, especially in peace and security efforts.
NAN
