Buhari: We Need France’s Help To Fight Boko Haram.

Nigeria – Nigeria’s determination to rout out insurgency has got boosted by a commitment by French government to support the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF) with intelligence gathering and high tech military equipment.

The commitment announced on Monday by the French President, Mr. François Hollande after a closed door bilateral meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at Elsee Palace in Paris.

It will be recalled that president Buhari left Abuja for Paris on a three-day official visit to France.
President Muhammadu Buhari and his host, President Francois Hollande during an official engagement at the Elysee Palace as part of activities of the President during the official visit to Paris, France. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida

President Muhammadu Buhari and his host, President Francois Hollande during an official engagement at the Elysee Palace as part of activities of the President during the official visit to Paris, France. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida

Addressing a joint press conference, the French President shared the concern of his government on the increasing spate of terrorism and insecurity in Nigerian and other lake Chad countries.

According to him, the meeting with president Buhari was essentially resolved around some new strategies to foster partnership and cooperation to enable Nigeria and its neighboring countries of Cameroun, Chad, Niger and Benin Republic completely stamp put terrorism through the joint action of the MJTF.

President Hollande also recalled that his country had last year hosted a Regional Summit on Security in Paris to galvanize thoughts on how to end terrorism.

“We provide all of the support to the countries in the region which are affected by this cult and in Nigeria, we want to provide support and solidarity,” he stated.

He commended President Buhari for initiating the relocation Nigeria’s highest military command to Maiduguri, the hotbed of the Boko Haram, saying it has so far produced tangible results.

Speaking further, president Hollande disclosed that France has concluded arrangements to invest a total of €130million in the development of infrastructure in Nigeria for rebuilding of roads, provision of electricity and water supply, even as he hailed the economy of Nigeria under president Buhari despite the dwindling oil prices.

“The Nigerian economy remains strong so, France wants to be doing business in the country.”

Also speaking, President Buhari expressed gratitude to the French president for chosing to assist Nigeria over insurgency.
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