According to reporting by Premium Times, the Federal Government of Nigeria has formally backed a series of institutional reforms within the African Union (AU) aimed at strengthening governance in the areas of peace and security. Vice President Kashim Shettima articulated the nation’s stance during a high-level closed session at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa. The endorsement reflects Nigeria’s strategic interest in ensuring the AU is better equipped to handle the continent’s evolving security challenges.
The move comes at a time when the continent is grappling with various insurgencies and constitutional crises. Nigeria’s leadership at the summit emphasized that a more streamlined AU governance structure is essential for swift conflict resolution and the maintenance of regional stability. By supporting these reforms, Nigeria seeks to bolster the AU’s mandate to intervene more effectively in troubled regions across Africa.
Further details indicate that the reforms are expected to reorganize the AU Commission to ensure better accountability and resource allocation. This shift is seen as a pivotal step in moving the continental body from a reactive stance to a more proactive role in peacekeeping operations.
The Punch Newspapers confirmed the development, noting that Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye has officially taken over as the 2026 AU Chairman. Additionally, The Nation reported on the summit’s proceedings, quoting a senior diplomat who stated, “Nigeria’s backing provides the necessary political weight to move these security structural changes from paper to practice.” Meanwhile, a source in The Guardian highlighted the regional consensus, quoting an AU official: “The commitment shown by member states like Nigeria is a clear signal that Africa is ready to take full ownership of its security architecture.”
Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s endorsement is a calculated diplomatic move to maintain its influence as a continental powerhouse. As regional threats like the Sahelian crisis persist, these AU reforms are critical. Watch for how these structural changes affect the funding of the African Standby Force in the coming months.
Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/856758-nigeria-backs-aus-institutional-reforms-on-peace-security.html, and February 15, 2026
Photo credit: Premium Times
Tag: regional stability
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Nigeria Endorses Comprehensive African Union Peace and Security Reforms
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President Tinubu and US AFRICOM Chief Hold Critical Security Talks
President Bola Tinubu met with the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin Anderson, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to discuss deepening military cooperation. According to The Punch, the high-level meeting focused on regional stability and the expanding role of technology in counter-terrorism operations following recent strikes on insurgent camps. The discussions highlighted the strategic partnership between Nigeria and the U.S. in addressing the evolving threats in the Sahel and West Africa.
Figures cited by Premium Times show that the visit comes on the heels of reports indicating that insurgent groups like ISWAP have begun deploying more sophisticated technology, including armed drones, against Nigerian troops. General Anderson’s visit is seen as a commitment to intelligence sharing and tactical support. Channels TV validated the meeting, quoting a State House source who noted: “The partnership aims to leverage U.S. technical expertise to bolster Nigeria’s homegrown security architecture.”
Validation from The Guardian also highlighted the presence of top Nigerian security chiefs, including the National Security Adviser and the Chief of Defence Staff. The report cited General Anderson saying, “The United States remains committed to a secure and prosperous Nigeria, which is central to the stability of the entire continent.” This diplomatic engagement underscores the administration’s intent to professionalize the military and integrate global best practices into local operations.
Echotitbits take:
This meeting signifies a deepening of military ties at a time when Nigeria faces new-age threats like drone warfare from ISWAP. The involvement of AFRICOM suggests that Nigeria might soon receive more advanced surveillance and counter-drone technology. Watch for a possible announcement regarding new hardware acquisitions or training programs for the Nigerian Air Force.
Source: Arise – https://www.arise.tv/tinubu-meets-africom-commander-us-envoy-to-discuss-security-cooperation/, February 9, 2026
Photo credit: Arise
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Colombia deploys forces on Venezuela border amid fears of refugee spillover
According to Vanguard, Colombia has deployed armed forces to its border regions with Venezuela amid concerns about instability and potential displacement pressures.
Border authorities worry that sudden shifts in Venezuela’s internal situation can rapidly increase migration flows, armed-group movement, and humanitarian strain on frontier communities.
The deployment comes as international reactions intensify, with calls for restraint and coordinated diplomacy to avoid escalation across the region.
Echotitbits take: Border militarisation can reassure—or trigger new flashpoints. Watch for UN/OAS engagement, any temporary border closures, and whether Colombia builds humanitarian staging capacity for potential inflows.
Source: Aljazeera — January 4, 2026 (https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2026/1/3/colombia-braces-with-alarm-after-maduros-removal-in-venezuela-by-us)
Aljazeera January 4, 2026
Photo Credit: Aljazeera
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Senate Backs Tinubu’s Rapid Response as Benin Coup Attempt Tests ECOWAS
The Senate approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to deploy troops to the Republic of Benin after an attempted coup reportedly disrupted public order in Cotonou. Lawmakers framed the move as part of Nigeria’s regional responsibility under ECOWAS.
Some senators reportedly sought fuller debate, but leadership argued emergency procedures justified swift approval given the potential regional spillover.
2025-12-10
Punch Newspapers
2025-12-10