Africa-Press – Nigeria. German Foreign Minister Johan Wadephol confirmed Berlin’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in its fight against armed groups, stating that violence in the Sahel threatens all coastal countries in the region.
He also announced that Germany will provide 10 million euros (11.4 million dollars) this year to support the return and reintegration of displaced persons from communities previously controlled by Boko Haram and affiliated armed groups.
Branches of the Islamic State and al-Qaeda operating in the Sahel have expanded their presence in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, raising international concerns about increasing instability in the region.
Wadephol stated in Abuja following talks with Nigerian Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu: “The repercussions of the crisis in the Sahel increasingly threaten all coastal countries in the region.” He added: “Nigeria has stood at the forefront in combating terrorism and violent extremism.”
Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized that sustainable international partnerships are essential to address terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organized crime, and other security threats facing West Africa. The two ministers also discussed expanding economic relations between their countries.
During his first visit to Nigeria, Wadephol described the country as a key strategic partner for Germany, highlighting its role as the largest economy in West Africa and a leading political force within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The ministers also discussed expanding economic relations between their countries. He noted that bilateral trade grew by about 10% last year, with Nigeria remaining Germany’s second-largest trading partner in the Sub-Saharan region. Currently, over 100 German companies operate in the country.
