Macron vows stronger support for Nigeria against rising insecurity

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French President Emmanuel Macron (R) and Nigerian president Bola Tinubu shake hands as they arrive to give a press conference following a meeting at the Elysee palace in Paris, on November 28, 2024. (Photo by Sarah Meyssonnier / POOL / AFP)

French President Emmanuel Macron has restated France’s support for Nigeria as the country battles rising insecurity, especially the terrorist threat in the northern region.

Macron said he spoke with President Bola Tinubu and assured him that France is ready to deepen cooperation with Nigerian authorities and help communities affected by violence. He urged global partners to also show more commitment.

He said in a message on X that no one should watch the crisis from the sidelines. His words were: “I spoke with President Tinubu of Nigeria. I conveyed France’s solidarity in the face of the various security challenges, particularly the terrorist threat in the North. At his request, we will strengthen our partnership with the authorities and our support for the affected populations. We call on all our partners to step up their engagement. No one can remain a spectator.”

The message came as Nigeria continues to face deadly attacks and mass abductions. On November 26, President Tinubu declared a nationwide security emergency and directed the armed forces and police to recruit more personnel.

In recent weeks, there have been violent incidents in several states, including killings in Kebbi and Kwara. More than 300 students were also abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi, and St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State. Some have been freed or escaped, but many are still held by their captors.

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