• Meets leaders of 48 nations, gets Germany’s backing
• ECOWAS talks tough on maltreatment of citizens
Nigeria’s bid to combat terrorism could receive a boost if moves by President Muhammadu Buhari to woo the international community yields results.
Despite gains by the country in pushing back Boko Haram, the group has continued to inflict havoc on soft targets, like the recent suicide bombing of a mosque in Mubi, Adamawa State, which killed over 50 persons.
Buhari, on the margins of the 5th AU-EU Summit in Abidjan, discussed the nation’s anti-terror campaign with his German counterpart, Angela Merkel, who assured him that her country would increase its support in tackling the issue.
The president will also join other heads of state in Aqaba, Jordan, to review strategies in fighting terrorism and reinforce joint security structures to prevent attacks.
The meeting tagged, ‘‘Aqaba Retreat,’’ holding tomorrow will be hosted by King Abdullah II of Jordan. Representatives of governments of 48 countries and a number of key non-governmental organisations are expected to attend.
At the event, Buhari will share Nigeria’s experience on terrorism and its spread across West Africa, with a view to soliciting more support for pre-emptive measures to neutralise the activities of insurgents in the subregion. He will also hold bilateral meetings with some heads of state to strengthen relations.
Buhari, at the separate bilateral meeting with the German Chancellor, discussed stemming illegal migration of Nigerians to Europe. He also expressed his government’s determination to secure lives and property, adding that both nations could cooperate effectively in youth development.
In her remarks, Merkel commended efforts by the Buhari administration in revamping the economy. She noted that 58 German companies were operating in Nigeria, and that more have indicated interest to invest in energy, manufacturing, agriculture and construction.
Buhari also met with his Ivorian counterpart, Alassane Ouattara, on Wednesday, expressing concern that political instability in Togo could have regional consequences. “We must have a solution in Togo.
The friends of the opposition and authorities must talk to them on the steps to jointly take to achievestability. They must work towards gaining the trust of each other.
There will be regional consequences for instability in Togo and this will surely come at a cost to development,” he said.
No comments:
Post a Comment