Barring any additional change of plans, French President Emmanuel Macron has cancelled his visit to Nigeria, PREMIUM TIMES can report.
Mr Macron cancelled his journey, initially scheduled for Wednesday, 28 October, due to issues concerning the ongoing protests in France, Nigeria’s upcoming presidential election, and the brand new Ebola case.
Nigerian sources briefed concerning the deliberate visit advised PREMIUM TIMES that Mr Macron and President Bola Tinubu agreed on Thursday to cancel the state visit.
Mr Macron feared {that a} journey to Nigeria amid the continuing demonstrations throughout France could possibly be seen as insensitive and irresponsible. The violent demonstrations within the nation that started in September have led to the closure of over 900 faculties, looting, and a face-off between rioters and safety officers.
Mr Tinubu additionally reportedly expressed concern that Mr Macron’s visit, about three months earlier than the Nigerian presidential election, might invite accusations of international affect.
Mr Tinubu is in search of reelection in a rustic the place hundreds of thousands of residents are offended at his efficiency. Many are dissatisfied along with his administration, notably over the excessive price of residing, inflation, gasoline value will increase, unemployment, and insecurity.
His relations with France have additionally come below scrutiny. Mr Tinubu’s final journey to Paris drew public condemnation, due to his absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the extension of his “working vacation.”
There have been additionally issues concerning the lately confirmed Ebola case within the nation.
PREMIUM TIMES reached out to the French Embassy press division over the cancellation of Mr Macron’s visit, however it declined to remark.
This paper additionally contacted the spokesperson of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Olufemi Adeniyi, who mentioned the ministry has not acquired any details about the cancellation of Mr Macron’s visit.
“We don’t have that information about this. If there’s an official update in that regard, we’ll put it out,” he mentioned.
France has remained Mr Tinubu’s prime vacation spot since assuming workplace in 2025. The nation can be certainly one of Nigeria’s closest allies.
Mr Macron’s deliberate visit was scheduled to be a part of the actions for this yr’s French Week, organised by the Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The French chief was to be accompanied by a delegation of French businesspeople who will meet with Nigerian counterparts.
The journey additionally reciprocates Mr Tinubu’s three-day state visit to France in 2024, which targeted on “strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations.”
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French Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Marc Fonbaustier, in July mentioned the 2 leaders “will assess the progress of our roadmap and outline the key elements of our relationship for the years to come.”
He additionally famous that the visit would enable each nations to overview their rising strategic partnership and chart a brand new course for future cooperation.
“These will undoubtedly be ambitious and mutually beneficial for our two peoples,” he mentioned.
“We want the economic and social development of both our countries, for our citizens, for job creation, and for improving the standards of living, with due respect for the environment, biodiversity, water and air,” he famous.
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