West Africa needs a strong Nigeria to survive – France

The Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, has highlighted the importance of Nigeria to stability in West Africa, saying the region needs a strong Nigeria to survive.

The Ambassador disclosed this during the French National Day celebration in Abuja on Tuesday.

“The region needs a strong Nigeria. Nigeria needs a united and mobilised region in the fight against terrorism.

“I am pleased that, in this spirit, Nigeria and Benin have taken concrete steps to work together more efficiently to combat terrorist groups,” he said.

The Ambassador reiterated France’s commitment to helping Nigeria and the region combat insecurity.

While acknowledging that insecurity is affecting the entire region, the envoy said Nigeria and France are working together to assist countries eager to strengthen their capabilities, “in order to better combat this scourge that destroys lives, communities and ultimately, our core values.”

He downplayed fears that France was trying to move closer to Nigeria after losing allies in the Sahel, saying, “Allow me to state this clearly: the partnership between France and Nigeria is part of a broader strategic relationship between Europe and Africa.

“Africans and Europeans are mobilising to respond to global changes, becoming forces for stability.

“Europe is strengthening itself in response to the challenges it faces. Africa is increasingly making its voice heard, commensurate with its demographic weight and growing influence.

“We share a common commitment to a predictable global order, based on the rule of law that protects the weak from the strong, the victim from the aggressor, and common goods from those who would loot them.

“We have worked concretely together on issues that link our destinies, such as oceans, health, and artificial intelligence.”

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