France commits to Nigeria’s security on mutual respect – Official

Mr Marc Fonbaustier, French Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, on Tuesday said the country’s commitment to Nigeria’s security would continue to be built on mutual respect and cooperation.

Fonbaustier disclosed this in an interview with news men in Abuja.

The envoy said France respect Nigeria’s sovereignty, as well as other African countries, adding that the country’s presence in other countries was at the request of the host nations.

According to him, France had been actively engaged in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism since 2014, when Boko Haram posed threat in the Northwest and some parts of the country.

“France participated in the coalition to combat Boko Haram and has continued to support Nigeria’s security efforts through such cooperation.

“This is in terms of training and joint security exercises enhancing the capabilities of Nigerian security forces, equipment supply.

“Also in providing necessary equipment to support Nigeria’s military operation, intelligence-sharing and collaborating on intelligence-gathering towards combating terrorism.”

Fonbaustier said that, on the exit of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger from ECOWAS, he stated that France has maintained respects for the sovereignty of the three nations, particularly in their decision-making processes.

“France supports ECOWAS as a regional organisation that promotes African solutions to African challenges.

“Lastly, France has taken an initiative in governing artificial intelligence (AI), ensuring it remains a public good that is regulated and accessible to all.

“Nigeria has expressed support for this initiative, which aims to prevent monopolies and ensure equal access to AI technology,” Fonbaustier said.