French President Emmanuel Macron has assured President Bola Tinubu that France will deepen its cooperation with Nigeria in responding to terrorism and other security threats.
In a message posted on Sunday, Macron said he expressed France’s solidarity as Nigeria confronts “various security challenges, particularly the terrorist threat in the North.”
He noted that France will scale up its collaboration with Nigerian authorities and extend additional assistance to communities affected by violence.
Macron also urged greater international involvement, stressing that “no one can remain a spectator” in confronting extremist groups.
“I spoke with President Tinubu of Nigeria, @officialABAT. I conveyed France’s solidarity in the face of the various security challenges, particularly the terrorist threat in the North,” Macron wrote.
“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.”
His remarks come shortly after former US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” citing alleged persecution of Christians.
France and Nigeria continue to expand defence cooperation, including joint maritime operations, technology support and military training.