French President Emmanuel Macron has reaffirmed France’s commitment to helping Nigeria confront its rising security threats, following a recent conversation with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement shared on Sunday, Macron expressed France’s solidarity with Nigeria as it battles terrorism and other forms of insecurity, especially in the northern region.
He noted that, at President Tinubu’s request, France will deepen its cooperation with Nigerian authorities and expand support for communities affected by violent attacks.
Macron stressed the urgency of collective international action, stating that the global community cannot afford to “remain spectators” in the fight against violent 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.”
Macron’s comments come weeks after former U.S. President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged religious persecution.
France and Nigeria continue to maintain a growing defence and security partnership, particularly in the areas of counterterrorism training, technology exchange, and joint maritime operations.
