France reacts as Nigerian government rules out foreign military base

The French Embassy has backed the Federal Government as it ruled out the establishment of foreign military bases in Nigeria.

Dockaysworld reported on Monday that the Federal Government dismissed claims of siting a US, and France military base in the country.

These come in response to concerns raised by northern leaders about the potential risks associated with such a move.

In a letter dated May 3, 2024, addressed to President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly leaders, the northern elders urged the government to resist pressures from the US and France.

The letter highlighted concerns about lobbying efforts for defence agreements to station troops previously in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

The northern leaders expressed worry that such agreements could jeopardise Nigeria’s defence and security.

They questioned the benefits of foreign military bases, particularly noting the lack of effectiveness in curbing terrorism in the Sahel region despite the presence of American troops and intelligence personnel in Niger.

The French Embassy in Nigeria also told Punch Newspaper said there was no such plan.

The Head of Communication at the Embassy of France in Nigeria, Onyinye Madu, said, “The French Embassy in Nigeria would like to point out that contrary to the claims made in the open letter quoted in the article, no discussions have taken place or are planned between France and Nigeria regarding the relocalisation of military bases.”